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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!!

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4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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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

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    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.

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    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.

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    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!

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