My dog has a ruptured anal gland. Is it dangerous or life-threatening?

Related Answers from Veterinarians

• 

  Answered By Dr. Massimo Orioles, DVM, Cert AVP, MRCVS

  Veterinarian

  Published on January 24th, 2019

  Hi there. A picture of the lesion would be very helpful to understand better the situation, even though your description fits very well with an anal gland abscess due to infection. Your approach is fine even though I am afraid systemic antibiotics will be needed. Disinfection may be continue at home with very diluted hibiscrub or betadine or salted water baths. Buster collar may be useful as well to avoid any licking. If signs persist after 3 days from now and there is improvement at all, I would strongly recommend a check up. Hope this answer was helpful, but please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further. If this answer was helpful please let us know, this will be used to improve our service!

  

  4Pet Parents found this answer helpful

• 

  Answered By Lauren Kennedy, DVM

  Veterinarian

  Published on September 12th, 2017

  If JR is not already on antibiotics for his anal glands infection, you will need to take him to the vet to get some antibiotics on board. These types of infection rarely heal without the benefit of antibiotics. If JR is already on antibiotics then all you neee to do is keep the area clean and dry. It is better if the wound is left open to allow for drainage of the pus and impacted material. The best way to keep him from licking the area is to put an E-collar/cone on him. You can gently cleanse the area a couple times a day with a warm washcloth. If the area is too painful then don't worry about cleaning it. Your vet can also prescribe a pain medication to help with the discomfort. I hope this helps. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Best of luck!

  

  1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

• 

  Answered By Megan, DVM, CVA

  Veterinarian

  Published on July 18th, 2017

  Anal glands issues are usually first noticed by the dog either scooting their behind on the floor, chewing at the rear end a lot, or they will walk and quickly sit down like something is bothering them back there. I have never seen an anal glands infection be life threatening but if the infection got bad enough and became systemic then yes it possibly could be. If the anal glands get impacted and infected they will usually turn into an abscess and the anal glands will rupture. It usually will leave an open wound next to the anus. At this point they would need a vet to clean out the wound and start him on antibiotics and pain medicine. Most will not heal on their own. Also you do not want the dog licking st it as this will definitely delay healing. You can check the glands by looking and feeling on either side of the anus (approximately 5 o'clock and 7 o'clock) for a large bulge. This means the anal glands are full. There are a lot of YouTube videos and instructions online to show you how to express them which will likely be easier than me trying to explain it. I would recommend for you to stick with the EXTERNAL expression method. Also if Bruno is not currently having problems then I would not express them. Most big dogs express them when they defecate. Your vet can also show you in person how to express them. It is pretty smelly so most vets will do it for you for a small fee or no charge. I hope this helps!

  

  1Pet Parents found this answer helpful