Expert: Charlotte Sherrell, DVM - 7/12/2008

Question
Is there an ointment, oil, medication, etc. I can place around the anus so that I won't have to express the external gland... I'm afraid to do it and have something go wrong... My dog is old and takes Enacard and Lasix cuz he has Congest. Heart Failure...  My dog developed an abscess about 5 yrs ago bcuz of the anal gland problem, I used hot compress and it popped before I got him to the vet, but the vet did a cleansing of the area under anesthesia... of course I want to avoid this.. My vet does home visits and she won't be able to come by for 2 weeks.. please let me know if I do express it myself in the exterior, what's the worst that can happen.. Looking forward to hearing from you!

Answer
Maria -

Anal sac abscesses can be quite uncomfortable for the pet. Expressing the anal sacs too often can cause the anal sacs to become infected. Treating the area while under anesthesia is probably the best way to control annals problems.  Consult your veterinarian to determine the best treatment for your pet.