Why is my 5-year-old Schnoodle leaking stool? Anal gland issues?

Anal sac removal surgery can have this kind of complication, that could be transient (lasts up to 2-3weeks time) or unfortunately permanent. Fecal incontinence is due to nerve inflammation. Perianal/anal reflex can be eventually stimulated by using a thermometer. I would wait a week time more before considering it permanent. Please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! No, that would not be a cause of incontinence. This could be an anatomical anormality and in some cases it could be a neurological issue, among many other possibilities. If that is happening, I would recommend that you have her evaluated by a veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. Best of luck!

These are two little glands inside the dog's rectum. They naturally fill with a material that ranges from thin, light colored liquid to a thick paste. When a dog defecated, this material is released -- most of the time not all of the liquid is release but over the course of each defecation, enough is released that the glands do not overfill. With some dogs though, this process does not occur as easily. This can be due to the material being too thick to be expressed, the stool being too soft or diarrhea which does not apply enough force to the gland to express the fluids or due to an underlying disease process. The most common cause of recurrently full anal glands is an underlying allergy problem. Dogs with skin sensitivity or allergies often have anal glands that need to be emptied on a routine basis. If the glands become too full, the material can become infected or the gland can rupture. In this case, the area will heal but antibiotics are typically needed. After the anal glands are expressed, the area can continue to feel irritating for a few days. In some cases though, the glands may not have been completely emptied. This is often the case if the glands are emptied at a groomers as they empty them from the outside and are not trained to empty them rectally as a vet would. Most dogs do not need their glands emptied for any medical purpose but if the glands were randomly checked, they could be moderately full. This does not indicate a need to express the material though. The reason I bring this up is because I have found that if we begin emptying the glands for the dog, it creates a cyclic effect where we continue to have to empty them. If the dog is scooting, this is an indication to have them checked.

Poor guy. He either has really loose stool or an anal gland issues. The anal glands are located inside the rectum and can get infected or even rupture, causing leakage of fluid that is very strong and smelly. I would definitely recommend taking him to your vet on tomorrow if possible to get this looked at. Either condition is very treatable through your vet with medications (i.e. antibiotics). For now, it is best to just wipe the area gently with a wet cloth or paper towel. If the area appears to be irriated, you can also apply a cold compress on the area if he will allow it, for 2-5 mins to help soothe the area. Also an epsom salt water solution can help clean the area and provide additional relief. I hope that Frankie's rear end improves soon! Best wishes and take care. : )

Hello. It is impossible to be absolutely certain, but it is possible that cleaning the anal glands left Maverick a little irritated, so the BM in the house may have just been accidental. He is also an older boy, so you many be seeing the first signs of fecal incontinence, often caused by spinal degeneration. If it happens again, I would recommend radiographing his back to see if there is any evidence of changes in the spinal column ( vertebra ). Sometimes steroids or anti-inflammatory medications can reduce inflammation for quite a while, but if this is what is going on, it could be progressive. A good neuro exam would be warranted, too. Hopefully, this was just a one time accident, but if it continues, it does indicated a check-up is due. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Yes I would be concerned. It's not normal to have fecal incontinence especially in a young dog. This is a sign or a neurological problem. Frenchies are prone to intervertebral disc disease and this may be an early sign of a problem. I would also have your veterinarian check Peppa's anal sacs as they may be full and leaking the stains. They will do X-rays of the spine and do a neurological assessment to determine the reason for the incontinence. If needed they may recommend taking Peppa to a veterinary neurologic specialist for an evaluation. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Peppa.

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Ludo. An anal sac infection or impaction is a treatable condition. Perianal fistulas can be harder to manage. I recommend that he sees his veterinarian for a thorough examination. He may need to go under anesthesia to better assess his condition. I hope this information helps!