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My dog has a lump or blister on his rear. When should I call the vet?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Large (61lb +) | Male | neutered | 3 years and 10 months old | 75 lbs

My Great Dane lab mix looks like he has a blister or something on his butthole... idk if I need to take him in or not ? He is 3 years old.

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5 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Ana M, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on November 25th, 2018

Thank you for submitting your question regarding your dog. I do recommend having him evaluated. He may have a ulcer or wound there, but there is more serious disease known as a perianal fistula. You will want him to receive treatment and ensure this is not the case. In the meantime, place an E-collar on him if he is trying to lick the area. I hope this information helps!

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    Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

    Licensed Veterinary Technician

    Published on

    It could be an anal gland abscess. This would need to be confirmed then treated by your veterinarian. Typically, sedation is required to lance, drain and flush the abscess. Antibiotics and pain medication are usually dispensed afterwards. An e-collar (cone) will prevent excessive licking.

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    Answered By Destini R. Holloway, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on May 28th, 2017

    Poor Logan. This is either a ruptured anal gland abscess or an anal gland fistula. Your vet needs to investigate this area thoroughly under sedation and possibly even take samples from it because these two conditions are treated very differently. An anal gland fistula is treated with immune mediated medication (i.e. Cyclosporine) while a ruptured abscess is merely treated with a good antiseptic clean, antibiotics and pain medication. I would recommend taking Logan in for a proper exam right away. Best of luck.

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    Answered By Laura Johnson VMD

    Veterinarian

    Published on June 3rd, 2018

    Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Taffy! Goodness! I do not think that is a hot spot! It appears to be an anal gland abscess that has ruptured. I would have Taffy seen by your Vet Monday for an exam and to have the wound flushed, the other anal gland expressed, antibiotics and anti-inflammatories started. Anal gland abscesses are infections with in the anal glands from allergies or thickened anal gland material that have become impacted and can't be expressed with normal defecation. Usually the first signs of anal gland problems are scooting and excessive licking of the anal area. Though some dogs do neither. I wish Taffy the best!

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    Answered By Ana M, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on January 1st, 2019

    Thank you for submitting your question regarding Bella. I recommend that she sees an emergency veterinarian today. Based on your description and the attached picture, I am concerned that she has a ruptured anal gland abscess. The anal glands sit under the skin on either side of the anus. They excrete fluid to mark the dog's scent when she defecates. If the gland becomes infected, it can rupture. This is very painful and requires treatment. I hope this information helps!

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