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

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).

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

Your pet may have an inflamed or infected [anal gland](https://www.petcoach.co/dog/condition/conditions-of-the-anal-glands). [Impacted or abscessed anal glands](https://www.petcoach.co/article/anal-glands-sacs-impactions-infections-abscesses-in-dogs) are very painful and makes it difficult to defecate or even move. Without treatment, an impacted gland may abscess and rupture, causing a open wound on your pet's rear that will require wound care, antibiotics and pain relief. I recommend getting your pet seen by your vet. He or she will express (empty) the anal glands, clean her up and possibly start her on antibiotics and pain medication if indicated. You can ask to be shown how to express the anal glands yourself at home so you can avoid impaction or infection in the future. Increased dietary fiber or supplements, such as [Glandex](), may help prevent anal gland issues as well.

Based on the location (it appears to be just to the side and just below the anus), an anal gland abscess may have ruptured. I doubt it’s an insect bite, but I can’t rule that out completely. It could also be another type of mass such as a tumor or a foreign body (such as a grass seed) that’s burrowed into the skin and caused an abscess. Regardless, your instincts are correct; this likely needs to be treated with antibiotics. Put an E -collar (cone of shame) on him and make an appointment with your vet ASAP. Hope that’s helpful! Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

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.

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Based on your pictures it appears as though Jumanji has a ruptured anal gland abscess. I would have him seen by a Vet for oral antibiotics, pain medications and have the other anal gland checked. I hope this helps and I wish Jumanji a speedy recovery!

Hi and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Sorry to hear about Heidi. Sounds like you guys are absolutely right. This is a judgement call. If she is incredibly uncomfortable I would advise taking her tonight. But if she is able to rest, doesn't seem to be in too much pain, I think you can wait until tomorrow to get it assessed. The fact that it ruptured is a good thing, it's probably less painful although a little more messy to deal with. Your vet will probably make sure both anal glands are emptied, advise topical wound treatment, give some antibiotics, anti inflammatories, pain meds, E collar, etc. Keep placing neosporin right on and even in the wound. Also warm compressing it will encourage drainage and ease a lot of pain. Good luck with Heidi.