Pet of the month for March 2025 goes to these cuties, Hugo & Ivy!
Hugo & Ivy both visited the clinic because both families noticed that they had some swelling & bleeding next to their rectums. On exam it was noted that both dogs have what we call an “Anal Gland Abscess”. This is when the anal gland sac/s (located internally at the 4 o’clock & 8 o’clock position) become clogged & infected, causing the abscess.
Sometimes, if the infection isn’t already to severe, we can treat with a course of antibiotics & anti-inflammatories. Unfortunately, for these little ones, their course didn’t work well enough & they required surgery.
Anal gland abscess repairs involve being placed under a GA & draining the abscess by making an incision near the anus to release the pus and infected material. The anal gland is then flushed copious amounts & an antibiotic cream is injected into the area. They are then sent home on further medications to help with the healing process. To help prevent future occurrence, it’s recommended that they both have regular anal gland expressions, every 3-4m.
If you notice your dog constantly licking at their bum area, or dragging it along the floor- this could be the reason! Book in with the girls for a quick AG expression.
We would love to thank both families for taking great care of their furry babies & getting them seen to.