Content
- Do dogs have hemorrhoids?
- My dog has an inflamed anus
- Problems in the anal glands of dogs
- Rectal Prolapse in Dogs
- How to treat hemorrhoids in dogs?
If you notice that your dog's anus is reddish or inflamed, you might think he is suffering from hemorrhoids. However, except in very exceptional cases, dogs do not have hemorrhoids.
In this article by PeritoAnimal we will explain the disorders that can be confused with hemorrhoids in dogs and, of course, how we can avoid and treat. It is important to go to the veterinarian as soon as the first symptom appears, otherwise the condition will worsen and it will be more difficult to resolve it.
Do dogs have hemorrhoids?
No, in general, we cannot say that there is hemorrhoids in dogs. Hemorrhoids, also known as "almorreimas", are veins that become inflamed in the rectum or anus. are produced by efforts to defecate, increased blood pressure during pregnancy or may appear without a specific reason being identified. They occur in humans favored by anatomical conformation.
Dogs' bodies, on the other hand, are completely different. Let's say your layout is horizontal, while ours is vertical. That is why, dogs do not suffer from hemorrhoids.
The only case in which we could know what hemorrhoids are like in dogs would be in the case of some tumors that grow in the anorectal area and manage to modify, increase the pressure, inflame and prolapse the entire anal conformation (rectal prolapse in dogs). These tumors usually appear on the side of the anus, and are more likely to cause these hemorrhoids if we let them evolve untreated, or if they coincide with other factors, such as constipation or the presence of parasites.
My dog has an inflamed anus
Therefore, if your dog has inflammation, redness, discomfort or straining when defecating, you should not think, as a first option, that it is a dog hemorrhoid. On the contrary, it is more common for you to have problems in the anal glands or rectal prolapse, which we'll cover in the next sections.
Also, if what you observe is the irritated anus in dogs, must consider the possible presence of intestinal parasites. These worms, when in high amounts, can cause diarrhea. The increased frequency of defecation irritates the anus, as well as the itching caused by some of these parasites, which will cause the dog to drag its butt along the ground or lick itself, trying to eliminate the discomfort.
Following the deworming schedule can prevent this disorder. Whenever you adopt a dog, you should take it to the vet to be examined and to receive the most appropriate deworming protocol. Of course, any symptoms of discomfort in the area, in both puppies and adult dogs, are reason for veterinary consultation.
Problems in the anal glands of dogs
Anal glands are small sacs that are located on either side of the anus. Its function is to produce a liquid that helps lubricate the feces, is eliminated with them and gives the dog its individual scent. Occasionally, when this secretion is too dense, when the stool does not sufficiently compress the glands, or when some other circumstance occurs that prevents this fluid from getting out, it builds up in the glands and gives rise to the following problems that can be confused with hemorrhoids in dogs:
- Impaction: fluid cannot leave the glands and they remain full. The veterinarian will need to empty them manually. If the dog suffers from this problem frequently, emptying should be periodic. A high fiber diet is recommended.
- Infection or sacculitis: the impaction of the glands can be complicated by an infection, as it is a "dirty" area due to the high presence of bacteria, which causes a painful inflammation. In this case, in addition to emptying the glands, it will be necessary to apply antibiotics topically and disinfect.
- Abscess: In this case, an infection also occurs, with fever and reddish or purple inflammation. The pus accumulates and, if it opens to the outside, it forms the anal fistulas in dogs, responsible for a foul-smelling secretion and requiring surgery. Abscesses that remain closed must be opened for cleaning, and they will need to be disinfected and given oral antibiotics. If the dog suffers from these episodes frequently, removal of the glands is recommended.
Rectal Prolapse in Dogs
It is very easy to think of hemorrhoids in dogs when we observe that a reddish or pinkish mass comes out of the anus. In fact, it's a fragment of rectum that comes out through the anus, called rectal prolapse, produced by excessive effort when defecating, severe colds or, on the contrary, diarrhea, obstructions in the area, childbirth, etc.
Although there are different levels of severity, rectal prolapse in dogs is a veterinary emergency, as this exposed tissue runs along the risk of necrosis, that is, that exposed cells die. In that case, it will be necessary to surgically remove it and repair the bowel.
Even if necrosis does not occur, if the rectal prolapse is complete it is reduced with suture. In milder cases, the veterinarian will look for the cause of the prolapse, since treating it may be enough to solve it. In the meantime, stool softening products and a diet suitable for rectal prolapse in dogs are administered.
How to treat hemorrhoids in dogs?
Although we don't talk, in general, about dog hemorrhoids, the situations of rectal prolapse in dogs or infection that we describe and that can look like hemorrhoids in dogs and should receive immediate veterinary assistance, otherwise, the picture will worsen.
Therefore, even if it is a known drug that can be found in many homes, we should never substitute the visit to the vet for the application of ointment for dogs.
As we've already seen, your veterinarian can recommend a topical treatment. Any of the canine creams for "hemorrhoids" should be prescribed by this professional, because in order to choose the most suitable product, it is necessary to assess the situation. For example, when applying a cream over a rectal prolapse, not only will the problem not be solved, but also, due to lack of treatment, the tissue will end up necrotizing. If there is an infection and we use ointment instead of an antibiotic, the condition may develop into a fistula. Therefore, we insist on the need to go to the vet.
As a prevention, it is important that the dog follows a proper diet, taking into account also the correct hydration. It is necessary to control the anal glands and regularly deworm the dog to avoid internal parasites. With all these measures, you will prevent, as much as possible, the appearance of the most common factors that can cause the mistakenly called "hemorrhoids" in dog.
Read too: My Dog Scrubs His Butt on the Floor - Causes and Tips
This article is for information purposes only, at PeritoAnimal.com.br we are not able to prescribe veterinary treatments or perform any type of diagnosis. We suggest that you take your pet to the veterinarian in case it has any type of condition or discomfort.