Ask the Vet About Anal Sac Inflammation & Scooting
As a practicing veterinarian, Dr. Dym has over 19 years of experience and dedication to enhancing the overall health and well-being of pets. His commitment and passion for pet health continuously drives him to learn more about the art and science of homeopathy through ongoing training and education.
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Question:My dog has had blood around his anus for the past few days. It is not bright red blood and it is not a lot. He has been licking around that area as well. He is still acting normal and he acts like it is not bothering him. Should I take him to the vet or is there something I can do to help him at home?
Answer:I would definitely go ahead and take him in if you are seeing frank blood. I can't tell, from your description, if it is coming from his anal gland or anus, so they need to check him for a few different things - all of which he will need prescription medication from a veterinarina that has met him face-to-face. It may be as simple as an infected anal gland. If you are seeing frank blood secondary to that he will more than likely need oral antibiotics. Take a frsh (same day) fecal sample with you for them to analyze - this will give them a better sample and save him from having the rod stuck up his poor rear.
Question:Hi my name is Jennifer I have an english bulldog named roxy, she is 5 yrs old. On monday a veterinarian performed a manuel flush which was an anal flush because she wasnt pooping she was constipated. Today is wednesday and she still hasnt used the bathroom she just pees. Im worried because the last time she had this procedure done in november she had diarrhea for a few days. Now she still stuggling to use the bathroom and hardly wants to eat yet im really worried what would you recommend? Thank You
Answer:Recurrent constipation like that in a a dog is very rare - so rare that she almost has to have some kind of underlying, predisposing factor (neurologic, conformational, etc.) which needs to be addressed, so I would really need to see all of her x-rays and blood work to really help you. Your veterinarian, who has access to all of that, is definitely the best one to ask.
Question:Just noticed our 6 year old pug leaking some dirty annal dark stuff and we did get some puss stuff out. She is not scooting right now but has. She does go to grooming every 6 weeks but want to know if this is a problem where we might need antibiotics. She is not acting sick. Thanks for any advice
Answer:If you are seeing actual pus, I would go ahead and see your veterinarian - they can get the anal glands fully expressed and prescribe antibiotics if they are infected.
Question:My dog has a brown bump that has developed right next to his anus. It has been there for some time and will seem to get better but not go away and then will get worse. It does not appear to bother him or affect his bowels. Have tried heat, expressing Amal gland and tried chewables anal health. Is this something to be concerned about and how can I treat?
Answer:If it has persisted longer than a week or so, I would have your veterinarian check it out. Masses can be benign, malignant and everything in between. It is impossible to tell, just by looking at a mass, what kind of cells it contain. Your veterinarian will usually do a "fine needle aspirate" - a little mini-biopsy where they stick a small needle in it and suck some cells out and either look at it right there in their office or send it off to a pathologist. Then you can make a plan for it - if it is definitely benign, your veterinarian may recommend doing nothing.
Question:What topical treatment can be used on an inflamed anal gland
Answer:Nothing topical helps too much if it is the actual anal gland (which is too internal to really be affected by something topical). Oral antibiotics are usually necessary if the gland is infected. Applying a warm wash cloth multiple times a day may help it feel a little better - it also dilates the blood vessels and may help it heal - especially after starting antibiotics.
Question:Hi, My american bull dog (80 pounds) has gotten a rash that is raw around his anal area, and since he’s been licking he has a welt on his lip as well. We emptied his anal glands however this occurred after he had diarrhea so we believe that to be the cause but now he has an infection in both areas. What medication do i need to give him?
Answer:There are many things that cause rashes like that (allergies, mange, 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.htm
Question:my beagle started to ooze a smelly tan fluid from her annas all the time i milked her a/g it was full of the waterely fluid but she doesn t scoot on carpet now i must wipe her every time she has a b/m do need to clean the gland again its been 2 wks is their a med for this she is 13yrs old and over weight she eats dry d /f with a little cooked meat for flavor and in good health she is a 12 in beagle p / b i dont currently plan to see vet please help tks in advance
Answer:She should definitely not be oozing "a smelly tan fluid from her annas all the time" - I would go ahead and have your local veterinarian check her out to rule out things like anal gland abscess, cancer, etc.
Question:I have a 9 year old shih Tzu who has a anal glan swelling , each side already have drained and we thought it was getting better but how the swelling is back
Answer:Have your veterinarian recheck it - they may need to culture it and use oral antibiotics if it is infected.
Question:My pet has to have her sac emptied almost monthly, this hurts her, and she sometimes still scoots after her sac is empty, is this normal being she has environmental allergies, what other options, comfort can I provide for my little chawennie baby!
Answer:She may be scooting more from allergies than anal gland issues so be sure you and your veterinarian are trying to control her allergies. Glandex helps some animals that have chronic problems with anal glands. Here is a link if you would like to read about it: https://www.1800petmeds.com/Glandex-prod11589.html
Question:My Chicky chihuahua has an inflamed sac it appears, red bulging. Can I buy an antibiotic online?
Answer:In veterinary medicine, a face-to-face relationship has to happen with your veterinarian to be able to prescribe an antibiotic, so call your veterinarian for either an exam or approval.
Question:Hi there, I keep taking my dog In for anal glands and they say they are full, but they’re not full weekly. He has smaller poops, a terrible smell coming from there and is licking like crazy
Answer:It sounds like he may have an infection - have your veterinarian check him out to see exactly what is going on.
Question:How can I help my dog before I need to take him to the vet
Answer:I can't tell exactly what is going on so it is hard for me to recommend much but here is a link to our article about anal sac inflammation since you used that category: https://www.1800petmeds.com/education/anal-sac-inflammation
Question:I have a 2 month old chihuahua male and he started licking his butt, scooting and jumping up randomly. I checked his butt I only off thing I see is alittle spot on his tail close to his butt looks alittle red like he may have been bitting it, Also I just received him as a gift last week and he doesn’t have his shots yet. Should I rush to my vet or should I monitor him until I can take him on Sunday
Answer:I would really need to examine him to give you good advice. It depends on how uncomfortable he is - that is rare in a puppy his age, so if it continues, I would go ahead and see your veterinarian.
Question:
Answer:Your question didn't come through. Please resubmit if you still need help.
Question:Its bleeding what is it
Answer:Masses can be benign, malignant and everything in between. It is impossible to tell, just by looking at a mass, what kind of cells it contains. Have your veterinarian check it out - they will usually do a "fine needle aspirate" - a little mini-biopsy where they stick a small needle in it and suck some cells out and either look at it right there in their office or send it off to a pathologist. Then you can make a plan for it - if it is definitely benign, your veterinarian may recommend doing nothing.
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