Hi there,

Thanks for your question regarding your 11 year old Boxer boy Vito who has an issue with his back end currently. The bruising and swelling in his legs is definitely quite a concern and could definitely indicate an allergic reaction to something. It is even possible he has a ruptured anal gland abscess which could explain the blood seeping down his legs, but wouldn't explain any swelling or bruising of the legs. This sounds more like a reaction to an insect bite as you say.

The difficulty passing the stool is also a concern and could be an indication of a prostatic issue (as you say) - particularly so if he hasn't been neutered, or there could be another issue in his terminal colon - such as a mass or polyp causing an issue. I would also be concerned this could be a perineal hernia which could cause all of the symptoms you are currently witnessing. This is also more common in un neutered older male dogs and requires surgical correction along with castration.

Given the apparent severity of the swelling and bruising in his legs only a day after seeing your regular Vet, I really would encourage you to get Vito back there asap today for further investigation. This should include a full rectal exam including palpation of the prostate to see if it is enlarged and ensuring there isn't a burst anal gland abscess, mass of an anal gland, a perineal hernia or a mass in the colon. This is the best place to start. A full blood panel would then be a good idea. If all was normal, then the most likely explanation would be a bug bite or allergic reaction, in which case a steroid and further benedryl may be given.

For now - it might be a good idea to give you boy a little more benadryl. Use the dose as prescribed by your Vet. I would definitely recommend getting him seen asap today however as it is much better taking action sooner rather than later in these scenarios - particularly given Vito is 11 now.

Best of luck with your boy and please let me know how you get on later if you get a chance. Don't forget to click an excited face :-D if this has been helpful. Please be sure to reply using the REPLY TO EXPERT button if you need any further help or advice.

Kind Regards,

Dr M D Edwards

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I wish the same and most Vets probably do :-) Generally if the glands are just full you won't see any external swelling. If there was obvious external swelling I would be more worried about an anal gland abscess, a perineal hernia or a tumor back there. Given his discomfort in his back end, I still think it is quite important to get him seen again today even if he is otherwise bright and eating and drinking normally. It is much better to be safe in these types of situations.

Best of luck and let me know how you get on. Just reply if you need any further info won't you.

Kind regards,

Dr Edwards