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Dog bleeding from burst lump near anus. Is it an anal gland issue?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Jack Russell Terrier | Female | spayed | 10 years and 9 months old | 22 lbs

My dog has what looked like a cyst on the right of her anus, only noticed it a couple of hours ago and now it seems to have burst with what seems to be only blood coming out. She is on Rilexine for an ear and paw infection as well as Piriton for her itching. Not sure what this is, happened all of a sudden and I'm super worried about her!!

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Lindsey Edwards MVB, BSc, IVCA

Veterinarian

Published on May 6th, 2017

This looks like a ruptured anal gland, the medication she is currently on should help to prevent infection but you should have the other gland checked and emptied by your vet or vet tech to prevent the second from rupturing also. As long as the area is kept clean it should heal uneventfully, a high fiber supplement may help in preventing further recurrence

2Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Daniel Fonza, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on May 30th, 2018
Hi there and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to address your concern. Based on your description, I would recommend having Zirie examined by a veterinarian so that the most appropriate treatment recommendations can be made. Zirie will likely need the anal gland abscess flushed out with an antiseptic solution and start a course of an oral antibiotic and anti-inflammatory. I hope this helps! Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns and I would be more than happy to help you further.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Susan England-Foster
Veterinarian
Published on August 7th, 2017
I cannot say for sure based on the picture it look like a ruptured anal gland. Anal glands are sitting right inside the rectum. These glands can become infected and impacted which will cause them to ruptures. I would recommend taking spoke to the vet for proper medication to allow them to heal. Also with an older dog you will want to make sure they do a rectal exam to make sure there is not a mass present in the gland.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Amber W
Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist
Published on December 28th, 2017
This sounds like it may have been a ruptured anal gland but it's impossible to say for sure from your description. This could also be a tumor you are seeing on Sheeba so it would be best to have her examined by your veterinarian. If it is a ruptured anal gland Sheeba may need antibiotics or pain medication prescribed. Please remember there are no safe over the counter pain medications for dogs so you will need to have these prescribed by a veterinarian.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach and I hope Sheeba is on the mend soon!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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My dog has a bleeding, raw lump. Could it be an anal gland infection?

Hi and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Sorry to hear about Galaxy. This looks like an anal gland infection/abscess. It would be best to get Galaxy seen by your vet since these things are badly infected and need oral antibiotics or injectable antibiotics to clear up completely. Often times these dogs need sedation/anesthesia to clean up the area, express the contents of the gland completely, then start antibiotics, pain meds, anti inflammatory meds, topical wound care, e collar to prevent licking, etc. Again, Galaxy is probably in a lot of pain and would benefit greatly from adequate treatment. I would call your local rescue groups or humane societies to see if they can help with her care.

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My dog has a bloody lump near her anus. Is it a hemorrhoid? What now?

It is hard to tell for sure by the pictures, but my suspicion would be that it is either a perianal tumor that has bled, or potentially a ruptured anal sac abscess. I would highly encourage you to have her evaluated by your veterinarian as soon as possible. If it is an abscess then antibiotics will likely be needed. If it is a tumor then the veterinarian can discuss options with you. Often perianal tumors are benign. I think getting a diagnosis is the first step and then you can gather information and make decisions from there. Best of luck and thank you for using Pet Coach.

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My dog's anal glands bled after expression. Did I rupture them?

Unfortunately, sometimes while expressing a dogs anal glands, you can accidentally rupture the gland. The good news is that even if the gland is ruptured, the veterinarian will be able to correctly diagnosed the condition and put your pet on the correct regimen of medications to get the gland back to functioning properly again. You are correct in taking the dog to the vet as soon as possible to get a full physical examination performed I applaud you for taking such a proactive approach to your animals healthcare. You are a very good dog owner and I wish more were like you.

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Why does my dog have a painful red bump on their anal area?

It could be an [anal gland abscess](https://www.petcoach.co/article/anal-glands-sacs-impactions-infections-abscesses-in-dogs). This occurs when the anal glands do not fully empty during the act of defecation resulting in inflammation, impaction and infection. Have her examined by your veterinarian for confirmation and treatment. This may include sedation followed by lancing, draining and flushing the abscess. Antibiotics and pain management will likely be indicated. Topical treatment may not be sufficient. An e-collar (cone) can be used to prevent licking until she sees the doctor. Afterwards, you can have her glands expressed (emptied) regularly and add additional [fiber](https://www.petcoach.co/article/high-fiber-diets-anal-gland-disease-in-dogs/) to her diet to[ prevent recurrence](https://www.petcoach.co/article/how-to-prevent-impacted-dog-anal-glands).

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My dog's anal gland abscess is still bleeding. When will it stop?

I do recommend bringing him to a vet for a recheck and expression of the anal glands and a reflushing if the anal glands with dilute chlorhexidine solution if they appear to still be oozy. It is unusual, if the anal gland were expressed the first time, for there to be a second fistula within 2 weeks. I also recommend placing an e-collar for a week while Barney is on antibiotics and pain meds as well as a topical prescription steroid/antibiotic/antifungal ointment such as dermavet/quadritops etc. that often speeds up healing of the fistula. With topical as well as oral antibiotics on emptied/flushed anal glands, fistula usually heal within a week. Good luck!

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My dog has a blister near her rectum. Could it be anal glands?

This sounds more like blocked anal gland issues which can rupture. A high fiber diet can help to stimulate normal function and reduce recurrence of this painful condition or you can keep them regularly checked by your vet or vet tech

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

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