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My dog has an open, bloody anal gland. Should I go to ER vet or wait?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Miniature Schnauzer | Female | spayed | 9 years and 5 months old | 12 lbs

Our newly adopted 9 year old schnauzer has a newly developed and opened sore on her bum. It had some bloody discharge and she is trying to lick it. We think it is an anal gland or perhaps an abscess but we are wondering if this can wait until tomorrow to go to the vet or should we take her to the Veterinary ER? We have put neosporin on it.

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By David Darvishian

Veterinarian

Published on September 20th, 2017

Hi and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Sorry to hear about Heidi. Sounds like you guys are absolutely right. This is a judgement call. If she is incredibly uncomfortable I would advise taking her tonight. But if she is able to rest, doesn't seem to be in too much pain, I think you can wait until tomorrow to get it assessed. The fact that it ruptured is a good thing, it's probably less painful although a little more messy to deal with. Your vet will probably make sure both anal glands are emptied, advise topical wound treatment, give some antibiotics, anti inflammatories, pain meds, E collar, etc. Keep placing neosporin right on and even in the wound. Also warm compressing it will encourage drainage and ease a lot of pain. Good luck with Heidi.

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    Answered By Claudia Fioravanti

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    From your description it sounds like Heidi could have an anal gland abscess. In itself, it is not a life threatening emergency. Therefore it could wait until the morning, however this will depend on Heidi's level of comfort. It is obviously quite a painful condition and it could be that Heidi is very unsettled overnight. In this case she would benefit to have some pain relief at the ER vets and a buster collar in order to prevent grooming of the area.

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