Ask the Vet About Anal Sac Inflammation & Scooting

First: be sure it is an gland issue (often allergic dogs itch from histamine release back there & it has nothing to do with their anal glands). Try Glandex for true anal gland issues: https://www.1800petmeds.com/Glandex-prod11589.html and/or the Glandex wipes: https://www.1800petmeds.com/Glandex+Hygienic+Rear+Wipes-prod12702.html

It can be if it goes untreated, but a ruptured, infected anal gland is usually pretty easy to treat.

A routine spleen removal may not need any antibiotics. I would really need a LOT more information to advise you about your individual dog so consult your veterinarian, who has access to all of his/her lab results, for the best advice.

There is a lot of individual variation with these, but yes, 3 weeks is a long time. Your veterinarian may need to culture the discharge and be sure the bacteria is sensitive to the antibiotic that he's on, so have them recheck it when you can.

Just smelling the smell doesn't warrant an expression - you want her body to know how to do it on it's own. A probiotic is a good idea. Be sure you are using a good, reputable brand like Fortiflora (https://www.1800petmeds.com/Purina+FortiFlora-prod10376.html) or Proviable (https://www.1800petmeds.com/Proviable-prod12083.html). Then the only other thing I would recommend is Glandex - here is a link to read about it: https://www.1800petmeds.com/Glandex-prod11589.html

These abscesses usually need to be seen by your veterinarian who can clean it up and usually give one (long acting) injection of antibiotics - so not too expensive usually. If that isn't an option, here are a few easy things to try: (1) Trim the hair around the opening so it doesn't trap infection in - be very careful not to lacerated/cut his skin and cause more problems (2) Dilute betadine - solution, not scrub - diluted down to weak-tea consistency is the best thing to flush the wound with. Do this at least twice daily. You can get betadine at any corner drug store. Be sure to dilute it or it will really sting. (3) It's ok to pick scabs and push more pus out of the hole - don't do it if it's too painful, but the more pus you can get out, the better. (4) Contact your veterinarian for antibiotics if it doesn't improve or if s/he stops eating.

There are many things that cause itching like that (allergies, mange, anal gland impaction, ringworm, etc) and most are treated differently so have your veterinarian run some quick tests and make a diagnosis. Since allergies are the most common, here is a link to our article about various treatments for allergies, both over-the-counter and prescription: https://www.1800petmeds.com/education/allergy-treatment-dog-cat-9.htm

Yes, it still could be cancer. It could also be a bacterial infection that is not responding to the antibiotic you are using so culturing and changing antibiotics may be helpful.

If it is an anal gland issue, Glandex (https://www.1800petmeds.com/Glandex-prod11589.html) may help and/or Glandex wipes (https://www.1800petmeds.com/Glandex+Hygienic+Rear+Wipes-prod12702.html). If it is due to something else, like allergies, which often it will be, treating the underlying cause is ideal.

It is rare for cats to have anal sac issues, but certainly possible. Have your veterinarian check it out if it persists, because they will often need oral antibiotics.

Often this is secondary to allergies, not anal gland issues so consult your veterinarian for an official diagnosis. Glandex seems ot help some dogs with true anal gland issues: https://www.1800petmeds.com/Glandex-prod11589.html

Possibly - have your veterinarian check her to be sure they are just impacted and not infected, no mass, etc.

I would go ahead and have your veterinarian check it the first time. I worry that he may have an abscess or an anal fistula, etc. And they can show you exactly how to express his anal glands if that is what is necessary but I really worry that something more serious is going on because with minor impacted anal glands, he wouldn't be "constantly licking his anus" and there should be no visible "ooze".

This is very worrisome if he has nerve damage to his perineum (anus/colon, urethra/penis and surrounding tissues) - you may need a referral to a specialist, often found at your local veterinary school or in major cities, so ask your veterinarian about this.

I would really need to examine her to determine the exact cause. Scooting and licking back there may be due to allergies, not anal gland issues or something else entirely and all of those things are treated differently so see your veterinarian for a definitive diagnosis and targeted treatment if it continues. Products like Glandex helps some dogs with chronic anal gland issues. Here is a link if you would like to read about it: https://www.1800petmeds.com/Glandex-prod11589.html