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My dog's anal gland ruptured. Is it an emergency or can I wait?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Beagle | Female | spayed | 1 year and 8 months old | 30.25 lbs

If my dogs anal glands rupture can she wait until morning to see a vet? Or does she need to be seen immediately?

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4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on August 11th, 2017

Ouch, poor Luna! Based on the pictures you provided (thank you for that!), they do not look overly red, swollen, and there are no signs of blood. As long as she is eating and drinking normally, going to the bathroom normally, and otherwise behaving normally, she can wait until the morning to see the vet. I would put an Ecollar on her to prevent her from licking at her anus, and you can make one at home. I will put a link below on how to do that. If she is in a lot of pain, isn't eating, is lethargic, and/or is having trouble going to the bathroom, then I would take her into a vet now. Good luck, I hope this helps! http://dogsaholic.com/care/homemade-dog-cone.html

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    Answered By Jenny, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on March 24th, 2018

    It depends on how comfortable your dog is. If he is constantly scooting or licking the area and seems painful, then he will likely need to be seen before Monday. If the draining has stopped and he is able to comfortably rest and go to the bathroom, then you can try to wait to Monday and monitor for any changes.

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    Answered By Andrea M. Brodie, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on October 2nd, 2018

    I suggest you find another veterinarian who can accommodate you. It would be best to have the ruptured anal sac flushed and then an antibiotic ointment instilled. Now that it is ruptured it will not hurt anymore. You can cut away all the hair near it to keep it clean. And try to either ask your vet to accommodate you as this is an acute matter and needs to be seen now, or try to be seen by another vet.

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    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on October 23rd, 2019

    Poor Rusty. If there is a lot of blood and pus, and he appears to be in pain, then I would take him into an ER vet now. Otherwise, it can wait until the morning. If you wait, put an Ecollar on him to keep him from licking it. You can make one at home: http://dogsaholic.com/care/homemade-dog-cone.html

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