Pug With a Hard, Painful Swelling Beside the Anus
by Bonnie
Reader Question
I have a small female pug, 15 lbs, age 6. I noted her to have a large hard swelling to the side of her anus today. It is definately tender. I am unable to express anything. It is too tender for her when I try. It is the size of 2 grapes. Her temperature is 102.4. I have done some hotpacks to it. Is this something that can wait til Monday, or should I contact my vet today.
Answer from Our Team
A tender, hard swelling the size of two grapes that can't be expressed is likely an anal gland abscess, which needs a vet the same day rather than waiting until Monday. A temperature of 102.4°F is at the upper end of the normal range, but abscesses can worsen quickly and may burst.
Warm packs are a reasonable first step while you arrange care, but don't keep trying to squeeze it. A vet can drain and flush it and give pain relief. If it isn't an abscess, the vet will also want to rule out a tumor.
See anal gland symptoms.
This is general information, not a diagnosis. Please follow your own vet's advice.
Join in and write your own page! It's easy to do. How? Simply click here to return to Anal Glands.
