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Anal sac problems.

Species: Dog
Breed: Shih-tzt
Age: 11-15 years
When I cane home form work I noticed that my dog was bleeding from her anus. I took her for a walk and no blood in her stol. I took a wash cloth and cleaned her I noticed on the left side next to her anus pink reddish skin I plan to take her to the vet tomorrow mornig but, I'm wondering if it is her anus sacs are filled stuff I found online I can't spend a ton of money at the vet what will the vet actually do I'm really worried about my dog I love her very much.

She seems to be fine acting normal.


Online vet, Dr. Marie

Dr. Marie replied:

It does sound like Bella may have either an anal sac abscess or an infection in the sacs.

There are a few different ways that these can be treated. In the past, I used to recommend surgery every time I saw these. However, I often can treat a dog quite well without surgery.

What I usually do is have one of my technicians hold and calm the dog and then I gently put a finger into the anus and see if I can express anything out of the sac. Sometimes, if this is an abscess we can empty out a lot of the debris inside which really speeds up the healing process.

I usually put the dog on antibiotics as well as pain medications. (Even if she is not acting in pain, we know that these things are painful.)

Some vets will treat these by infusing a solution into the anal gland. I will do this sometimes, but usually I find the conservative treatment works.

Unfortunately there isn't anything I would recommend giving her tonight for pain. If we give her something like aspirin tonight it may interfere with any medication that your vet wants to give in the morning.

If she allows it, she may get some relief from placing a warm cloth over the area for a few minutes a couple of times tonight.

I hope everything goes ok!

Dr. Marie.


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Disclaimer: Although Dr. Marie is a qualified veterinarian, the information found on this site is not meant to replace the advice of your own veterinarian. AskAVetQuestion.com and Dr. Marie do not accept any responsibility for any loss, damage, injury, death, or disease which may arise from reliance on information contained on this site. Do not use information found on this site for diagnosing or treating your pet. Anything you read here is for information only.

Customer reply:

Dr. Marie,

Thank you. I will place a warm cloth over the are for sure. DO you know how much it may cost me I'm planning $200 but I do not know. My vet tends to be expensive. What causes the this to happen?

Thank you

Clarissa


Online vet, Dr. Marie

Dr. Marie replied:

In my office you would end up paying about $150-$200 so I think you are on track.

We really don't know why these happen. Some dogs will have their anal glands fill up with debris quite often, so sometimes having the vet empty them every couple of months will make a difference. But then I have seen dogs that get an anal sac abscess with no warning whatsoever.





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Dr. MarieDr. Marie is a veterinarian who practices in a busy animal hospital in Ottawa, Ontario. She created Ask A Vet Question as a resource for good, accurate veterinary advice online. Dr. Marie treats dogs, cats, hamsters, guinea pigs, and rats. She has been a vet since 1999.

Is an online vet visit just as good as a trip to your veterinarian? No! But, many times, asking an online veterinarian a question can help save you money. While Dr. Marie can't officially diagnose your pet or prescribe medications, she can often advise you on whether a vet visit is necessary. You can also ask Dr. Marie for a second opinion on your pet's condition.