Post operation complications and large open wound

Hi all I was looking for advice. My dog (collie lab cross) had infected anal gland which burst last year. A lump was in the one that burst and biopsy said it was not a tumor. It eventually healed and we were told it would need an eye kept on it but we didn't really understand the significance of this (we do now). It swelled up and burst again this summer. It was taking weeks and weeks to heal and in the end we agreed to surgery before it had healed over. We are told it could take a few weeks to recover but she had been suffering so much. The surgery was on 9th November. A huge wound on one side and quite neat the other side. But the good news was no tumour found. The stitches started to burst after a week and it was really shocking for us. We were advised that they wouldn't re-stitch the wound and just to clean with water and leave the wound open, after 10 days it was completely open and very deep. She had antibiotics and pain killers but was in agony. I had never heard my dog cry. On 17 November she went under anaesthetic again as the wound had become very infected and it was cleaned and more cut away. We were still advised leaving it all open was best course of action and to clean with cotton and water. On the 21st November she had to be admitted for a week as she had stopped eating and pooing completely and we thought she wouldn't make it. She stayed at the surgery 5 days. She did come home but really didn't want to eat any more and it has been a struggle getting her back to eating.  She has gradually got her appetite back and is a bit happier now but wound is not repairing as the vet had hoped. We took her back last week and they were a surprised it was not a lot better but advised cotton and water and antibiotics was the best treatment now with medical honey. I think it has been one of the most stressful times we've known caring for the dog she is so poorly. She has been on antibiotics for most of the summer and the last 2 months too. The vet now says wait another 2 weeks and they might start a dressing which due to the location would need to be changed twice a day and that may really accelerate the repair. I just need a second opinion and to know if it is normal to leave a very deep wound open for 6 weeks and see such slow improvement. We are getting terribly stressed and can't bear the thought of what she is going through. Hoping it will heal but not knowing how long this will go on for. Any advice welcomed on these injuries. The picture is better than the original open wound but its taking so long. Many thanks, James

Hello - and I hope that this heals soon for her, too.  Hopefully the pain is being kept under suitable control.  I wonder if a culture and sensitivity has been done or is necessary to ensure that the appropriate antibiotics are being used? If infection is clearing rather than worsening, it might be unnecessary.  I can't give you a second opinion - that would be best delivered by someone with more experience in this particular area (dermatology or skin trauma; perhaps a hospital with experts in both?) and / or more knowledge of the case than the first vet.  It is also best done with the vets' co-operation, history and consent.  Good vets are never offended to be asked for second opinions.  If we are doing a good job, the second opinion will help to support us and add a layer of expertise.  If we are not doing enough, then at least we find out.  Please will you let us know how the patient gets on in this difficult case.