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My dog has anaplasma & a swollen, hot rash on his behind. Is it new?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | English Springer Spaniel | 6 years and 2 months old

My dog Eddie has been ill. Took him to the vet 10 days ago because he kept chewing his behind and was acting ill. Found out he had an infection and tickborne anaplasma. He's been on two different types of medications. I think the missed the large, swollen rash on his behind next to his tail. It was oozing pus and extremely hot. I shaved all the hair off to find there was no open sores. Just swollen, red and hot. Ice calms him. Could this be something separate needing new meds?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Christie Long, DVM

Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist

Published on December 5th, 2016

Anaplasmosis is transmitted by ticks, however what you're describing to me sounds like a "hot spot" (acute moist dermatitis), likely secondary to flea infestation. Fleas and ticks are usually combatted with one product, such as Frontline. Revolution, or Advantix, so I'm going to assume that if Eddie had ticks he could have fleas as well. I think it is possible your vet missed the spot you're referring to, however if he discussed tick prevention with you and started Eddie on a good tick preventive then that should take care of any fleas as well. However, hot spots typically need antibiotics and usually steroids, although I'd likely avoid that in Eddie's case, since they depress the immune system, which he certainly needs to fight the anaplasmosis. It's likely your vet put him on doxycycline for the anaplasmosis, but since it doesn't have great efficacy against skin infections I would definitely call your vet back and discuss this spot, and see if he wants to get Eddie on cephalexin or another antibiotic for the hot spot. Shaving and cleaning are appropriate treatments as well, and usually we want to fit them with an e-collar, to keep them from continuing to chew.

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    Answered By Destini R. Holloway, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    Poor guy. Unfortunately it sounds like he has a swollen anal gland abscess. The anal glands can become full and infected in pets who have bouts of diarrhea, because the anal gland is expressed naturally only when there is a hard stool. You will need to take Eddie back to the vet unfortunately to have his sacs properly expressed. It is possible one of the antibiotics he is already on can help as well. But the anal gland still needs to be expressed and flushed to remove the plugged duct.

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