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Why is my senior dog bleeding from his bum after anal gland issues?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Large (61lb +) | Male | unneutered | 12 years and 9 months old | 50 lbs

My dog is 12 & has recently had his anal glands squeezed he has had 2 courses of antibiotics & is now on the 3rd. He is completely normal in character & is still eating & drinking. Playing & going to the toilet. He is currently bleeding from inside his bum hole & it is dripping out. The vet said he may have some irritation but also may have a maliganant tumour. He also no longer smells from his bum and he isn’t licking or itching. I want to know if this is part of the course or something else?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Destini R. Holloway, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on October 23rd, 2017

Oh my. Poor Ben. Bleeding inside the rectum is not a good sign unfortunately. A mass inside the rectum is a feasible possibility considering the fact that anal gland don’t usually bleed out the rectum in this fashion because a small duct is the only opening to the rectum from the anal glands. It is more likely the bleeding is coming from the colon and a bleeding ulcerated mass has to be seriously considered. Your vet should be able to do a rectal exam and/or endoscopy to look for a possible mass and help you with your decision making moving forward. I hope everything turns out ok for your pet Ben. Best wishes and take care.

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Dr. Leigh, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    If he has an infection in his gland than your vet may need to infuse the gland with antibiotics in addition to the oral antibiotics. If your vet felt a mass in the gland then it should be removed and biopsied as it could be a tumor. If your vet is not sure then you could take him to a specialist for a second opinion and work-up.

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