anal area problems

[BoxerChance]

Our dog pooped a few times and is trying to do the butt rub on the ground thing. We looked at his anal area and it looks swollen. He is dripping out of the area too. Any suggestions. His behavior is normal.

Thanks,
Lisa

 

[gmacleod]

I think you need to get the dog to a vet to have that looked at - at the earliest opportunity.

I can think of a number of possible answers (e.g. hernia, peri-anal fistula, etc) some of which could indicate serious problems. You really need to have a doctor take a look at this.

What is age and neuter/intact status of the dog, btw?

 

[BoxerChance]

He is a year and a half and has been neutered.

 

[gmacleod]

OK That is good. It doesn't mean that he cannot be suffering peri-anal hernia or fistula, but those are diseases more common to intact, middle aged dogs - so hopefully whatever his problem is will be less serious. Even so, having a vet look at this pretty quickly is needed. Good luck!

 

[EAO76]

In addition to the advice you already received scooting on the ground commonly indicates that the anal glands need to be expressed. Does it smell fishy (gross question, I know!)? It’s best to see the vet if you have never expressed his glands yourself.

 

[Emmasfam]

I talked to a groomer in passing about anal glands, and they told me that larger dogs (such as boxers) don't typically need help with expressing anal glands. is this something i should be worried about also?

 

[EAO76]

I talked to a groomer in passing about anal glands, and they told me that larger dogs (such as boxers) don't typically need help with expressing anal glands. is this something i should be worried about also?

Your groomer is right. Ideally the glands express themselves when the dog poops. At least, that is how they should function (especially if your dog’s stools are firm). But some dogs have more trouble with this than others. A dog that is excessively licking their anus or dragging it on the ground indicates glands that need to be expressed. I wouldn’t worry about expressing if you’re not seeing these signs or other signs of discomfort.

 

[BoxerChance]

I was thinking that it was a problem with his anal sacs. About two months ago, Chance woke us up. He was licking the area a lot and a little of that leaked out on the bed sheet. I was a horrible smell. I was watching him when he pooped every day after that. He usually has this one drop of liquid come out after he poops. It was still coming out. Before he had that little leak on the bed, his stool was soft for a few days, so I was just thinking it was just his anal sacs. I want to take him to my vet rather than the animal hospital. His behavior has been normal, he just licks his bottom more. Do you think I should get him to the hospital now or can I wait to call my vet tomorrow? The swelling is on the outside right were he poops. Could it be hemroids? I heard boxers get them.

Thanks
Lisa

 

[gmacleod]

From the sound of the latest description, I'd take a guess at a ruptured anal sac or abscess. That would need medical attention still, but should be able to wait for Monday (do suggest that he is seen that day though).

 

[carole]

I was thinking that it was a problem with his anal sacs. About two months ago, Chance woke us up. He was licking the area a lot and a little of that leaked out on the bed sheet. I was a horrible smell. I was watching him when he pooped every day after that. He usually has this one drop of liquid come out after he poops. It was still coming out. Before he had that little leak on the bed, his stool was soft for a few days, so I was just thinking it was just his anal sacs. I want to take him to my vet rather than the animal hospital. His behavior has been normal, he just licks his bottom more. Do you think I should get him to the hospital now or can I wait to call my vet tomorrow? The swelling is on the outside right were he poops. Could it be hemroids? I heard boxers get them.

Thanks
Lisa

That is exactly what happened with Star. We had no symptoms at all until the abscess burst and the swelling became noticeable. She had them emptied at the vet as the side with the abscess was impacted and a long course of antibiotics seemed to clear it up thankfully.

Unfortunately a year later it became impacted again but we noticed it sooner as Finn thought it was a lovely smell coming from Star so it was just a case of them being emptied.