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My dog's anal gland burst. Can I give Clavamox if I can't see a vet?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Maltese | Female | spayed | 8 years and 6 months old | 8 lbs

My dogs anal gland burst last night.. so I put warm compresses on it all night and it drained really well... this am I gave her a sitz bath and it looks much better.. I was in an accident and unable to drive to the vet at the moment. Does she need antibiotics? I have clavamox on hand... should I give it to her for the infection?

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Lotus Altholtz

Veterinarian, Board-Certified Lab Animal Medicine Specialist

Published on January 24th, 2019

I usually send home Simplicef for anal gland fistula but Clavamox at an appropriate dose for Lily’s weight would definitely help, especially if you are not able to bring her to the vet right away. It is important to fully express both the ruptured anal gland and the other anal gland to prevent a second fistula on the other side. Ideally the ruptured anal gland should be flushed with a dilute chlorhexidine solution but a sitz is definitely better than not cleaning out the ruptured gland at all. I usually send home an e-collar to prevent licking, antibiotics, a probiotic to prevent antibiotic associated diarrhea, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory for pain such as Rimadyl, and a topical prescription steroid/antibiotic/antifungal ointment to speed up the healing process. Good luck!

3Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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