Boston Terrier Hemorrhoids?

Boston Terrier hemorrhoids? Most likely not - it's probably impaction or inflammation of the anal sacs.

Anal sacs are small sacs located on either side of the rectum. Usually, they empty when your dog has a bowel movement, but if they don't your BT may become uncomfortable. Impaction or inflammation of the anal sacs may develop.

Symptoms include excessive licking under the tail and/or a bloody or sticky discharge from the anal area, which may be confused with hemorrhoids. Sometimes you will see your dog scooting his bum along the floor. This is frequently confused with the dog having worms, but is also probably due to anal sac irritation.

Some breeders recommend emptying these sacs regularly when you bathe your dog, however, many veterinarians prefer to leave well enough alone and not empty them unless there are symptoms of irritation. We're with the "leave well enough alone" camp.

But, if you do decide to express the anal sacs, here are some tips:

• The sacs can be expressed by squeezing them (at the five and seven o'clock positions) in and up toward the anus.
• Be sure not to get in the way of the liquid that is expressed. It is foul-smelling!
• Have someone help by holding the dog's head during the process.

When in doubt, consult your veterinarian.

Additional Health Concerns:

Here are some additional health care topics that you may want to check out: Brachycephalic Syndrome
Ear Care
Eye Disease
Canine Arthritis
Dental Care
Internal Parasites

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