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My Basset has a ruptured back abscess with pus. Is it serious?

Updated on September 23, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Basset Hound | Female | spayed | 10 years and 9 months old | 40 lbs

We disco red what appeared to be a ruptured abscess on our Bassett’s back. On further investigation we discovered 2 small holes. From these holes came large amounts of firm brown/ black pus. Little to no “red” blood is coming from the holes. The photos show what we squeezed out the last time we squeezed it. Before this there were long “strings” of pics that were coming from these wounds. Is this something that we can let heal on its own or is it something more serious?

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Ana M, DVM

Answered By Ana M, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on November 9, 2018

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Polo. I recommend that she sees her veterinarian to have the bump evaluated. I am concerned that it is an abscess or an infection trapped under the skin. If this is the case, she will require treatment such as cleaning of the wound and antibiotics. Some abscesses will require surgery. If it is not an abscess, a ruptured cyst is a possibility. I hope this information helps!
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