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My dog has a large abscess near her anus. Is it an anal gland issue?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Doberman Pinscher | Female | spayed | 12 years and 9 months old | 70 lbs

My 13 year old Doberman just had a huge abscess open up on her rear to the right and below her anus. She is on antibiotics,amoxicillin twice a day for the infection. She has had frequent diarrhea from eating goat poop from my neighbors goats that are frequently in my yard. A second drain hole from this abscess opened about 4" above the rear abscess. That hole is small about the size of a pencil. My vet did not examine the anal glands and guessed it was a pressure sore from inactivity due to ag

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2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Rachel

Veterinarian

Published on July 14th, 2017

Based on the photo and your description this does sound like an anal sac gland abscess. Continue with her antibiotics as previously prescribed and ensure that she cannot lick the area (may need a cone collar). Often, abscesses will open and drain like this before they can begin to heal. Continue to monitor the area and if she will allow you can do a warm compress on the region a few times a day. If you are not seeing improvement in the area in the next several days, it wouldn't hurt to have your vet take a look again and make sure that it does not require additional treatment or medications.

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    Answered By Dr. Leigh, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    It certainly could be associated with her anal glands and could be an anal gland abscess or possibly a mass in her gland. Your vet could palpate her glands to determine if that is the cause. You could give the antibiotics some time and see if the problem resolves. The area looks very inflamed and she may also need an anti-inflammatory. Your vet may need to do a biopsy if there is a mass in the gland. Hope she gets better soon!

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