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Question

I have a 6 year old neutered Shih Tzu. For the past two weeks, he has held his tail down covering his behind. When he has a bowel movement he screams out. I have noticed he actually can't control when he poops. It just drops out. The bowel is nice an firm and formed. Pretty much a normal bowel. When I go in to check his anal glands they don't feel full and I barely get anything out, but as soon as I lift the tail, he tries to reach around and bite me. I feel it more the upper area of his rectum or something to do with his tail. He is licking his rear an aweful lot. I used to be a Vet Tech, But he has really stumped me on this. I am looking for some info and advice.

Submitted: 26 days and 6 hours ago.
Category: Dog
Value: $9
Status: CLOSED
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Optional Information

Pet's Sex: Male
Pet's Age: 6

Already Tried:
expressing anal glands and rest

Accepted Answer

This could be due to a disc problem in the spine which is a likely cause for the lack of anal sphincter control. Disc issues in this breed are a known problem.

You can read about disc disease here

http://uwveterinarycare.wisc.edu/sa_services/surg/neurology/ivdd.htm

http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&A=2373

This might also be due to a tail pull or break injury. Pulling on the tail can stretch and damage nerves, muscles and ligaments.

This could be due to a prostate problem or possibly a perianal tumor. Those can both block stool passage and might make raising the tail uncomfortable.

Netuered dogs can have prostate gland infections and tumors but its more common in intact males.

You can read about the prostate here

http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?c=2+2109&aid=914

and painful defecation is one symptom listed.

Hope this helps you!



Edited by NancyH on 10/27/2009 at 2:36 PM

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Expert: NancyH
Pos. Feedback: 99.5 %
Accepts: 
Answered: 10/27/2009

Dog Expert:Rescue, Train,Breed,Care

30+ yrs dog home vet care & nursing, rescue, behavior&training, responsible show breeding, genetics

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