anal abscess- our vet hasn't seen this kind of thing..

[EasyToEatTiger]

Ddog is 16-18 years old and has lived with us for nearly 15 years. She's getting quite doddery but still enjoys walks and food and cuddles. She was straining for a poo yesterday and I found blood and a swollen anus, so dh took her to the vet. The vet doesn't know exactly what's wrong but has given her antibiotics and painkillers. Has anyone else experienced this? Shed any light?

What was found on rectal examination?
Any abnormalities in anal glands?
Any lumps and bumps in rectum?

When i was younger i had a border collie who had problems with his back end. It was like bliod filled spots. They reckon it was because he had his bits removed before he had any fun. He had them for a few years and never caused him pain but they must have itched now and again as he would drag his back end and they would burst. it was a wee shame. Eventuly we had his put to sleep. He was 13.

Not sure if its the same type of thing. Not really got any advice. But kinda been there. Xx

She was bleeding and her bum looked swollen and sore. The vet said an abscess had burst. I think there was a lump in her rectum. I'm not entirely sure as it wasn't me who took her to the vet. The vet is concerned and said it could be a number of things. On the positive side (so far), ddog seems happy enough and has been out for a walk. Although she wobbles a fair bit, she suddenly has turns of speed and seems happy in herself. I know with things like cancer, things can go downhill very fast even when there are no obvious signs of illness. We are keeping our eyes on her and she's going back to the vet next week. Either she will be much better or the vet will take a biopsy. Darling dog. We just want her to live forever!!

We had this and unfortunately it was cancer. However our lovely dog went on to live a happy life for another three years with only one operation. Eventually he had to be PTS because of it after he went downhill rapidly but he lived to a very ripe old age. Sorry this probably isn't the news you want, we were upset but the extra years softened the blow. I hope it's something much more trivial with your Ddog.

Yes Catspjs, I suspect it may be worse than simple anal gland problems. I think we must enjoy her while we can. We lost one of our ddogs last year. This darling old girl is our first dog. She is becoming quite doddery, but her legs still hold her up. Just about!

Ddog is still with us. The bleeding has stopped but the lump is still there. She is well in herself and I think the painkillers are helping with her arthritis. So she is still enjoying walks and food and running about in ways only a 16 year old can. She goes back to the vet next week. She hasn't been insured as it was costing over £70/month.