Petco Text Logo
Petco Pet Logo

  • Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!

Will oral metronidazole cure my dog's anal gland infection?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Yorkshire Terrier | Female | spayed | 9 years and 11 months old | 3.6 lbs

Vet believes Bella may have anal gland infection. Was licking rear and non-fishy smell. When expressed fluid was greenish. Was given metronidazole liquid, twice a day for 14 days. Is this enough to cure the infection? Nothing else was given or done to the glands themselves

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Image profile

Answered By Dr. Dayna, DVM, CVA

Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist

Published on November 2nd, 2017

Anal sac infections can be tricky sometimes. Metronidazole is a very common and useful medication for most anal sac abscesses and is what I use frequently. My typical approach is antibiotic therapy for 10-14 days and then I recheck them. If the infection is still present then often I recommend flushing the sacs and infusing medication directly into them. Occasionally for tough cases I will culture the fluid and for very refractory cases surgery may be recommended. However, most are resolved by either oral medications or the infusions. If they become a repeat offender and it occurs again then I will usually recommend a hypoallergenic diet trial. Best of luck and I hope Bella improves soon.

Vote icon

5Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Other Answers

  • Image profile

    Answered By Jenny, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on November 2nd, 2017

    Metronidazole is not uncommon for an infection in that area. If the infection is new, then the prior antibiotics will already be out of her system so it would not have been able to stop this infection. It should be back to normal after 7 days, if not then further testing should be done

    Vote icon

    2Pet Parents found this answer helpful

See More Answers

Related Questions

Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
Why is my mouse's eye swollen, cloudy, and has pus?
Is your mouse's eye swollen, cloudy, and pussy? Dr. Melanie, a certified vet, discusses severe eye issues like infection or abscess, urging an immediate visit.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My pet is breathing hard, not eating, and lethargic. What's wrong?
Is your rat breathing heavily, won't eat, and has no energy? A Licensed Vet Tech explains potential causes like infection and age, urging a vet visit for diagnosis.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My pet has red spots all over. What's causing them and what to do?
See red spots on your pet? A certified Petco vet discusses common causes like allergies, infections, or mites, guiding you on diagnosis and treatment options.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My small pet is limping and can't bear weight. Should I see a vet?
Is your pet limping and can't bear weight? A certified vet explains why a suspected fracture needs immediate diagnosis and safe pain relief. Get expert guidance.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My dwarf hamster has a shut eye and is limping. What should I do?
Is your dwarf hamster struggling with eye issues or limping? A trusted vet offers expert guidance on symptoms and crucial next steps for comfort and care.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My degu lost teeth after an accident. How can I feed him soft foods?
Your degu had an accident, lost teeth, and can't eat hard food. A Petco Vet Tech offers crucial advice on immediate vet care and how to feed your injured degu.
Updated on December 04, 2025
image
Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Book Now

Sponsored