What's that hole near my dog's anus? Is it a parasite? What to do?

This presentation could be due to a trauma or localized spot of skin infection (likely to be caused by bacteria). A check up, appropriate disinfection and possibly antibiotics (oral, topical or in a shampoo formulation) are needed to solve the problem. Disinfection may be started at home with very diluted hibiscrub or betadine or salted water baths. Buster collar may be useful as well to avoid any licking/scratching. Hope this answer was helpful, but please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! There are a few things that can cause this such as parasites and in uncommon instances cancer such as lymphoma, among other possibilities. Your veterinarian would be able to examine her more closely and see what seems likely so that therapy can be started. Hopefully it is just a case of parasites as it is most of the time. Best of luck!

From what I can see in the photo, it's hard to tell what this is. It could be a mass or tumor of some kind, or possibly something like an infected anal gland or even a perineal hernia. It doesn't look normal, so I would recommend taking him to the vet to have this checked in person. Your veterinarian can palpate the area to get a better idea of what's going on, and may recommend a biopsy or other testing if needed.

Hi there. From what I can see in the photo, it looks like your girl has a small draining hole just below and to one side of her rectum. Based on the location and overall appearance, I would be suspicious that this may be an abscessed anal sac - these are scent glands that dogs have on either side of their anus, that can sometimes become impacted or infected, and may abscess out through a hole in the skin that looks very similar to this. I would recommend taking your dog to the vet for an exam, to get a better idea of exactly what's going on. Your veterinarian can do a rectal exam to check her anal glands, and if this is the issue, she will likely need prescription medication (antibiotics +/- an anti-inflammatory such as an NSAID or steroid) to effectively treat the infection. If this continues to be a recurring problem, the gland may even need to be surgically removed.

This is most likely due to a ruptured anal gland abscess. Have her examined by your veterinarian for confirmation. Your veterinarian should check the other gland and express (empty) it if necessary. Antibiotics will probably be dispensed. Pain medication may also be dispensed if indicated. place an e-collar (cone) on her to prevent licking until she has healed.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! If you tried attaching a picture it unfortunately did not attach. However, an abscess near the rectum would most likely be an anal sac abscess which are fairly common. Usually they are treated with local therapy including drainage and flushing as well as systemic antibiotics. Usually these are not caused by worms so if you truly saw worms it would be unrelated like if Lola also had intestinal worms. I recommend that you go to your veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. If you still have those worm-like substances you saw, I recommend you show them to your veterinarian. Good luck!

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This could be a benign or malignant growth. There is no way of knowing what it is just based on its appearance. Based on the location, often times these tumors are benign in nature and are known as perianal adenomas though about 10% are malignant and again it could be really any other tumor type. This is often differentiated by a test called a fine needle aspirate (FNA) which is a pain free, inexpensive and easy procedure which in most cases will help reach a diagnosis. Sometimes a biopsy is needed for a definitive diagnosis. I recommend that you have him evaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. I am really hoping for something benign. Good luck and have a good day!