Ask the Vet About Anal Sac Inflammation & Scooting

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Lindsay Butzer, DVM
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Dr. Lindsay Butzer
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Lindsay Butzer, DVM
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine
Dr. Lindsay Butzer
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01
DateOct 15, 2023
CategoryAnal Sac Inflammation
Pet TypeCat
TopicPost-Vet Care
Question:

Unfortunately I did not realize the extent to which my walk in vet did not explain things to me until I saw what was under my cats tail. For background, cat is male, 11 or 12 years old, healthy, 11lbs, shorthair cat. I brought him into the vet because he had a) a stinking butt b) kept licking it c) it was leaking stinking fluid which was clear ish and white tinged and then brown tinged and finally the morning I took him in d) a hairless visible swelling with a purple area looking like that was where the infection planned to bust thru. This was right jn the right area to be an anal gland. I took him in and they treated him. I was nervous and don't have experience with vets. I just signed the paper with the price at the bottom and paid about 300 dollars including the 71 dollar exam fee. I thought they'd have sedated him but he came back quickly with no iv bandage or anything. He was reactive to my voice but terrified and peed in the carrier. When we got home he was running all over the house trying to get the cone off. But more & more his butt was catching his notice, as if maybe hopefully there was a local anesthetic at least which was wearing off. And I got a look at that point. Which brings me to my question. It is SO so swollen. Before only the area right near the gland was swollen in a lump. Now his entire anus is swollen, skin tight all the way to the gland and beyond it and also all the way around whereas the other side previously had been unaffected. Is this normal? It is very painful for him. He tried to use the bathroom last night and not only was he growing and arching and stamping his feet in pain, he couldn't produce. Please let me know I'm terrified this vet has harmed him. They didn't even tell me exactly what they did. They gave me wound wash so I just assumed they lanced it but I can find no wound. There is only the swollen, increasingly purple lump that consumes the gland and turns flesh colored but remains swollen all the way around his anus. Which is leaking periodically. I was given antibiotics to give him and am, faithfully. It's only been 1 single night. And I have used this wound wash over the area although this seems painful and I did not make sure it got rid of all debris this time. Help sos I love him. I used all my money on that vet, maxed out my credit card. I've got nothing else to give him so I have to know, is this okay?

Answer:

Hey! It is hard to say if it is ok without looking at him but he might just be painful from them expressing his anal glands! You could try contacting that vet again and see if they can prescribe some pain meds if he is still uncomfortable. If he is still not doing well, they will probably have to see him again in order to re-evaluate him! -Dr. Lindsay Butzer

02
DateJul 7, 2023
CategoryAnal Sac Inflammation
Pet TypeDog
TopicCan backed up anal glands cause a seizure?
Question:

My beagle had about every test done after having her seizure, and everything came back normal. My vet decided to express her anal glands and they were really full. She is finally back to her old goofy self. She hasn’t had a seizure since her only one February. Could her anal glands being so full cause that seizure? Would it be safe for her to get her teeth cleaned? Thanks so much

Answer:

Hey! The full anal glands are probably not related to her seizure! I would recommend getting them checked periodically to make sure they aren't too full again. I suggest speaking with your vet about performing a dental procedure to make sure she's safe to put under anesthesia. - Dr. Lindsay Butzer

03
DateMay 9, 2023
CategoryAnal Sac Inflammation
Pet TypeDog
TopicAdvice on Anal gland issues
Question:

Our 2 yr old, Oakley has been having issues for the past yr. We have been to the vet 2-3 times per month to get her some relief. We are adding pumpkin to her food, along with Glandex but she is still having issues. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you, Maria

Answer:

Hey! It seems like you are doing everything right on the diet and increased fiber part. Looks like your dog needs some antibiotics and maybe a touch of prednisone steroid for a short course to alleviate inflammation in the anal glands. Please bring your pet back to the veterinarian and as for antibiotics and possibly steroids. I also made a whole YouTube video on anal gland issues in dogs you can watch too for more advice. ~ Thank you, Dr. Lindsay Butzer ANAL GLAND ISSUES IN DOGS VIDEO: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eHBvxXjiZVU&t=27s

04
DateApr 26, 2023
CategoryAnal Sac Inflammation
Pet TypeDog
TopicAnal Gland
Question:

Hello! I notice that my dog is having some anal gland/butt scoot issue. What would be the best way to treat this? Thank you so much for your help!

Answer:

Hey! You need to bring your dog to the vet to have their anal glands expressed. They could be impacted. Then your vet may give them a steroid shot to help with the itchyness and a course of antibiotics to help. I hope this helped! Dr. Lindsay Butzer

05
DateApr 9, 2023
CategoryAnal Sac Inflammation
Pet TypeDog
TopicRed Anal area, itchy, painful but sacs are not full
Question:

My dog has a irratated red anal area. She cant reach it to itch so she rubs on everything & that makes it worse. Her anal glands are not full, they feel fine. I was a vet tech but im not sure what she eould need to get rid of the red n itchy anal outside area? Ive been cleaning it with cool water n mild dog shampoo & cream rinse by Virbac. Anything that humans use- could she use domething the same?? I cant afford her vet & scripts. My husband just left me & her & son & took off across the country, sooooo im beyond struggling. Any advice would help. Thank youuu

Answer:

Hey! I am sorry to hear about your situation. I think if it is very red you need to get an antibiotic, but you can try Neosporin or Mupericin ointment which is stronger, but I believe it is prescription. If you are associated with a veterinarian hospital I would call and see if you can get a script for Baytril antibiotic which works the best for anal gland infections. It is more expensive. A cheaper one that works too is Clavamox. But really she needs antibiotics. I hope his helps! Dr. Lindsay Butzer Check you my YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBvlURdNKSJ2oRbzUB1_JQw

06
DateMar 22, 2023
CategoryAnal Sac Inflammation
Pet TypeDog
TopicScooting on butt
Question:

My dog has larger hot spots an scoots on her but! An think she has some kind of parasites. Can't get her vet backed up an money is is kinda tuff right now. So it's cheaper to order off line. I live in country she roams around in the yard I burn trash N I've been catching her in the trash alot.

Answer:

Hey! Okay sounds like she could have intestinal worms making her but itch. Really hard to tell what kind of worms without a FECAL TEST from your local veterinarian or even a farm vet can help. 1) Dewormer - Apply topical Revolution Plus or give your dog Heartgard - this helps kill some intestinal worms. 2) express the anal glands. You may need to watch some online videos how to do this and have someone help. But the best is to have a veterinarian do this. 3) give her a bath! 4) make she sure is on flea and tick medication, Fleas can bit their hind ends making them itchy and scoot 5) use topical wound sprays on the hot spot. NO PEROXIDE. this makes it worse. 6) 7-10 day course of antibiotics. This a vet will need to prescribe to you. I really think you need to bring your dog to the vet but you can try this in the meantime. I hope this helped! Dr. Lindsay Butzer YOUTUBE VIDEO ON TREATMENT OF ITCHY SKIN Please also check out my YouTube video on itchy skin treatment! This can help you too! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L4gwvTm0VqM&t=1s

07
DateMar 1, 2023
CategoryAnal Sac Inflammation
Pet TypeDog
TopicInflammation
Question:

My dog is overweight and is suffering from anal gland inflammation “scooting”. We live far from a Veterinarian. What can I do for my poor Sadie?

Answer:

Hey! I wish I had a video for you on how to express the anal glands, but for now you can (using gloves) try gently squeezing on the outside of his/her anus to see if you feel grape size swellings which means the anal gland are full. You can then apply pressure and see if any anal gland secretions comes out which will alleviate your pet. Otherwise, you can feed some canned pumpkin with fiber to see if this helps alleviate anal glands. I hope this helps! AND IN THE meantime try to get a vet apt for them to express the glands. ~ Dr. Lindsay Butzer

08
DateFeb 19, 2023
CategoryAnal Sac Inflammation
Pet TypeDog
TopicSwollen Anus
Question:

Hi, my dog is experiencing a swollen behind. This is something new and just happened yesterday. It seems to be going back down but I'm not too sure what that could be at all. I do have a wooded area he uses the restroom in behind my house if that helps. He does get dewormed every 6 months or sometimes a full year and he doesn't seem to be in any pain at all either, but I was still concerned.

Answer:

Hey. If he is unaltered (or has his testicles still) he may have a swollen anus due to hormones. Testosterone will make their anus larger as they age. If you neuter him this may reduce the swelling. If he has infected anal glands this can also cause irritation and swollen anus. I hope this helps. Dr. Lindsay Butzer

09
DateDec 26, 2022
CategoryAnal Sac Inflammation
Pet TypeDog
TopicAnal glande
Question:

Can I give my dog probiotic and no scoot for anal glande problems

Answer:

Yes! You can also give them canned pumpkin 2 tablespoons per 10 pounds to help increase their dietary fiber. I hope this helped! Dr. Lindsay Butzer

010
DateDec 19, 2022
CategoryAnal Sac Inflammation
Pet TypeDog
Topicanal gland
Question:

what can i do to help anal sac inflammation i give her glandex daily. is there any thing else i give her to help.

Answer:

https://www.1800petmeds.com/probiotic+chewys+g.i.+tract+supplement+for+dogs-prod11782.html Hey! Giving your pet a Probiotic chew daily can help with anal sac inflammation. You can also add another probiotic called Forti Flora also sold on PetMeds. You should be able to purchase the Probiotic chews with no script. You also may want to have your veterinarian express your pets anal glands and asses them and possibly give antibiotic course and then start on the probiotics and even 1 tablespoon canned pumpkin daily. I hope this helps! ~ Dr. Lindsay Butzer

011
DateDec 13, 2022
CategoryAnal Sac Inflammation
Pet TypeOther
TopicGuinea pig
Question:

He's anal gland is swollen and smells bad. I tried to clean it but he tells in pain

Answer:

Hey! You need to bring your dog to the veterinarian to have the anal glands professionally examined and expressed. Anal impactions are very painful and your dog will need antibiotics.

012
DateNov 13, 2022
CategoryAnal Sac Inflammation
Pet TypeDog
Topicanal itching or rubbing her bottom on the floor/rug
Question:

my dog rubs her behind on the floor or on a rug, she acts like it itches.

Answer:

There are many things that cause itching like this (allergies, mange, anal gland problems, ringworm, etc) and most are treated differently so have your veterinarian run some quick tests and make a diagnosis. Since allergies are the most common, here is a link to our article about various treatments for allergies, both over-the-counter and prescription: https://www.1800petmeds.com/education/allergy-treatment-dog-cat-9.html

013
DateOct 29, 2022
CategoryAnal Sac Inflammation
Pet TypeDog
TopicSore irritated butt
Question:

My dogs butt is really sore and irritated. Can I get him an antibiotic

Answer:

An antibiotic would need to be prescribed by a veterinarian that has met him face-to-face. They will want to treat the underlying cause as well (allergies, anal gland impaction, etc.) as well.

014
DateSep 30, 2022
CategoryAnal Sac Inflammation
Pet TypeDog
TopicConstantly licking his butt.
Question:

He has been to the vet for this several times and he is given antibiotics. He also has frequent ear infections and is put on antibiotics and we are given ear flush could it be allergies

Answer:

That certainly sounds like allergies. Allergies can be frustrating because they continue to recur until you figure out what they are allergic to and often it is multiple things. The good thing is that there are a LOT of treatment options available now, many more than are listed in this article but here is a link to our article about treating allergies which starts by discussing "avoiding allergens" and lists many over-the-counter and prescription treatment options: https://www.1800petmeds.com/education/allergy-treatment-dog-cat-9.html

015
DateSep 29, 2022
CategoryAnal Sac Inflammation
Pet TypeDog
TopicHow quickly can Anal Glands become full?
Question:

My question is, is it possible for a dogs anal glands to become full again one to two days after being expressed? My 5.6lb maltipoo dog has ongoing anal gland issues despite recommended diet, supplements, etc. she gets routine anal gland expressions from the vet and last had it done on 9/23 after showing initial SX of discomfort. She was good on 9/24, but started showing SX again on 9/25. This has continued since then and has included diarrhea for one day, gurgling noise from the stomach, and she vomited once in the middle of the night last night. Despite restricting her to boiled chicken/rice only, she is still in pain and lays in the praying position with butt in air. Today, for the first time she’s denying food. Does it sound like the same old anal gland problem or what other possible issues could it be? I didn’t want to write an entire book, but feel free to ask for more details. Thank you.

Answer:

No - this is probably not from anal glands since they were recently expressed by a veterinarian. There are MANY other causes of vomiting and diarrhea (pancreatitis, IBD, toxins, Addison's disease, intestinal parasites, etc etc - really too many to list here), so further testing will be needed if she doesn't respond to the bland diet. If the vomiting and pain continues, this should checked out and treated immediately by your local veterinarian.

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