Anal Gland Infection Not Cleared by Antibiotic Tablets

What your vet suggested is a well-supported treatment. Specialists often prefer to flush the infected sac and put medication directly into it, because antibiotic tablets alone often don't clear sacculitis. In a study of 33 dogs, flushing and filling the sacs with medication cleared the infection in about three-quarters of them, and about half of those dogs had already tried antibiotic tablets without full success.

Sedation is used because the area is sore and it lets the vet flush the sac thoroughly. Treatment is often repeated every 2 to 3 weeks. Ask your vet how many sessions to expect, and whether an allergy could be contributing, since allergies are common in dogs with recurring anal gland infection.

See anal gland treatment.

This is general information, not a diagnosis. Please follow your own vet's advice.