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My senior Yorkie has purple, painful area near rectum. Is it cancer?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Small (up to 22lb) | Female | 14 years and 3 months old | 12 lbs

My 14 yr old Yorkie has large purplish discoloration all around the rectum. Could this be cancer? She won't let me near it, tries to bite me! This isn't like her at all. Not as playful but no other symptoms and stools look the same.

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on April 27th, 2017

Unfortunately, a malignant tumor is always a possibly in a senior dog like Molly, but she could have injured herself or has infected anal sacs. It certainly sounds like it's painful to her if she won't let you near it and tries to bite you when you try to examine it. The only way to know for sure is to have her seen by a vet, and I would recommend taking her into one today or tomorrow. The vet can diagnose what is causing this discoloration and can discuss treatment options with you.

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