What to do, treatment & costs

Problems with the anal glands in dogs are not uncommon. However, if the anal gland has already burst, it becomes dangerous.

In this article you will find out how to recognize a burst anal gland in a dog, how to provide first aid and what to do next.

What can I do if my dog’s anal gland has burst?

A ruptured anal gland, or more precisely a ruptured anal sac, is preceded by a lot.

Most often, the bursting of the anal gland is one consequence one unrecognized or untreated anal gland inflammation.

While an inflammation of the anal glands is already very painful for the dog, a burst gland or pouch is associated with agony for your dog.

All you can do for your four-legged friend in this case is give him a treat pain reliever like for example dreameel administered, and then consult a veterinarian as soon as possible.

Although wound care should be provided in the event of bleeding, it is hard to imagine that your dog would let you, as its human, touch its rear end so easily.

Symptoms: This tells you that your dog’s anal gland has burst

If your dog’s anal gland has burst, it’s relatively easy to spot.

The anal glands are located at eight and ten o’clock next to the anus, about one to two millimeters under the skin.

If one or even both glands have burst, you can tell by one bloody woundfrom the pus, blood and anal gland secretion runs.

The discharge from the wound also smells very unpleasant due to the secretion.

The dog has it insane pain and will retreat, refusing food and upon approach lethargic to aggressive works.

A «don’t touch me, or I’ll bite you» can happen even with loving dogs.

Is a ruptured anal gland dangerous?

A burst anal gland is usually one Anal pouch or analglandsinflammation in advance. This alone can be very dangerous for your dog.

But even the preliminary stage of the inflammation, a blockage of the anal glands, can already have dangerous consequences for your dog, such as fistula formation or the formation of tumors.

Needless to say, a ruptured anal gland needs your immediate attention.

In addition, as already mentioned, there is the excruciating pain your dog has to endure.

When should I see a vet?

With a ruptured anal gland, without pros and cons, or trying to help your dog yourself, immediately see a veterinarian.

Veterinarians have office hours and are not always available. You should not wait on Friday evening for Monday until the vet can be reached again, but go to a veterinary clinic.

Treatment of a ruptured anal gland at the vet

A ruptured anal gland causes a bloody wound which, depending on its size, needs treatment sewn must become.

The complete anal area is rinsed and disinfected. Depending on the dog’s sensitivity to pain, this can also take place under anesthesia.

Depending on the damage, the anal glands are also surgically removed. This process can cause a change in your dog’s character, since without the glands he can no longer sell his scent marks.

That is why the removal of the glands always the last option.

Postoperatively, your dog will be prescribed by the veterinarian Painkiller and antibiotics received, which you will administer to him throughout the healing process.

You still have a few visits to the vet ahead of you before the dog is completely healed, as further flushing and disinfection may be necessary to achieve a complete recovery in addition to the antibiotics.

What is the cost of treating a ruptured anal gland?

The treatment costs depend on whether the anal glands have a chance of healing or should be surgically removed.

The removal of the glands is an operation that involves 170 to 250 euros plus surgical costs.

In the case of a burst anal gland, there are also the costs for wound care, rinsing and disinfection, which may have to be repeated several times.

If you then add the costs of medications such as antibiotics and painkillers 500 euro quickly reached for the entire treatment.

How can I prevent anal gland problems?

It doesn’t have to be a ruptured anal gland. The precursors, i.e. an inflammation or a blockage of the glands, are recognizable for every dog ​​owner if he knows what to look out for.

Problems with the anal gland are usually preceded by diarrhea. If your four-legged friend behaves strangely and smells unpleasant, these are the first indicators.

One way to prevent it is to empty the glands regularly. A veterinarian or dog groomer will take care of that.

A balanced diet and species-appropriate exercise promote digestion and also prevent problems with the anal glands.

Conclusion

Ruptured anal glands are very painful for your dog and relatively easy for you to spot. Self-treatment is not required here.

Your path should lead to the vet as soon as possible in order to provide your four-legged friend with relief and to rule out further consequences.

Have you and your dog ever experienced this? Write us a comment!