Why is my dog licking his tail and has a hard, U-shaped swelling?

Question

My dog has been licking near his tail for nearly two weeks now. I thought it was just allergies because the pollen count is super high right now, but I just noticed this odd swelling near his tail. It actually is shaped like a u. It's really hard to get a picture of it but hopefully the ones I attach will help. I don't know if it hurts, but if I press on it it seems to bother him a little bit, but he doesn't whine and it's a bit hard to the touch. Pet's info: Dog | Catahoula Leopard Dog | Male | neutered | 5 years old | 153 lbs

Catherine Stecyk · Accepted Answer

Hello and thank you for reaching out to Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. I'm sorry to hear that Bodhi seems irritated by his hind end and is licking back there. Based off your description and the pictures, Bodhi may have inflamed, infected, and/or impacted anal glands. The anal glands are two small glands located on either side of the anus, at approximately 4 and 8 o'clock (if the anus was a clock face). Normally, a small amount of secretion of these anal glands is expressed when a dog poops. However, some dogs can experience a blockage of the ducts of the glands, causing them to become obstructed and very swollen and irritating. I recommend bringing Bodhi to your veterinarian at their next available appointment. Your veterinarian can try to express his anal glands and relieve this pressure. Your veterinarian should do a thorough rectal exam to ensure there are no other irregularities present. In the meantime, if you have one at home, Bodhi should wear an Elizabethan collar (cone collar) to prevent him from licking this area and increasing the risk of infection. If left untreated, anal glands can become abscessed and actually rupture through the skin. I hope this is helpful!

Why is my dog licking his tail and has a hard, U-shaped swelling?

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