Abscess on anal glands. Helppp

[imclaustrophobicdarren]

I've just noticed my chihuahua looking very sorry for himself in his bed so I've gone to let him out and noticed he must have been chewing his back end. I've had a closer look and there was a big red lump next to his bum hole, it had a slight white bit on it so been the twat I am I thought I'd prod the area. Low and behold a shit load of puss came out so I carried on until it bled. I know I know, I probably shouldn't. I've rinsed the area off with cool boiled salty water and have him in the vets for 6.40 this eve.

Is there anything I can do in the meantime? I have him wrapped up in a towel on my knee whilst I work so he can't irritate further. Also how much is the vet likely to charge? Assuming he will need antibiotics.

Don't feel bad, I did exactly the same thing. I came home from work and found one of my DD dogs lurking unhappily under the dining room table. When I grabbed him and checked him, I discovered a big lump next to his bumhole (looked like a plum) Stupidly, I thought he'd got a poo stuck (what???) so had a wipe/poke with a bit of tissue to help him and it just EXPLODED in a horrific mess of poo and blood. I hurried down to the vets wrapped in a towel asap. I have to say vets were not bothered and dog not especially bothered. Vet gave him an injection of antibiotics and some to take away and that was it. They did say the anal gland might not come back but it all seemed fairly routine and not the catastrophe I'd thought it was. Dogs are pretty tough, I think. He never had any further problems with it.

Ah poor dog. You were brave having a feel round!

My dog recently had inflamed anal glands (and very full!) but I ended up having to see the out of hours vet and then a follow up the next day at my vets.

The out of hours vet cost £175! She just drained them though. No drugs.

My own vet charged £45 and that was appointment plus 3 anti inflammatory tablets. Assuming yours would be slightly more than my own vets appointment if you need antibiotics for him but at least you won’t have to pay for an out of hours appointment.

Hope it all settles down soon and your dog is more comfortable.

He's fast asleep now not seeming a bit bothered but thanks for putting my mind at rest. Lucky boy gets to go have someone else poke around!