Licking His Bottom

[4Maddie44]

My Bichon Frise is a rescue dog and is five years old.  I have had him 3 years.  A couple of months ago he started licking his bottom.  I saw three different vets at the same practice.  The first said he had infected anal glands and gave him an anti=inflammatory.  The second said anal glands were not too bad and gave him an anti-biotic injection.  Third said he had fleas and I have been treating him with drops for that.  He is still doing this.  Is it behavourial?

[4Maddie44]

I am on depression site.  Just joined it.  I am in no fit state to take dog to vet.  (I live in England).  Last time I could not stop crying.  Dog still licking, but he is in no way stressed.  When I feel better I will see vet.  Thank you for your messages.

[lonewolf07]

First, I'd go with what Ghilly says since parasites can be so easy for dogs to get but having had dogs who have had anal gland "issues" just made me think about that particular problem.

Anal glands - correct me if I'm wrong here - can be worse in smaller dogs and can get even worse when the dog is stressed out.  They can express themselves in which case it's a bit messy and smelly as you know.  I had a big dog who had anal gland problems and the vet could have done an expensive surgery but instead filled them with antibiotics and left a small hole so they could drain.  Sorry if that sounds gross.  Hope your dog is alright  = )

[Ghilly]

Did they do a fecal exam on him to see if he maybe has an internal parasite load?  Worms will make a dog itch in the rectal area.   If he did have a fecal done, depending upon who read the slide, it's possible that they missed something.  A new technician or, perhaps, an as-yet-unskilled veterinary assistant could easily miss some of the more difficult-to-spot internal parasites.  Maybe take in a stool sample and have them run another one just to be sure.  It's usually under $20, it's worth it to rule out something so simple.

Ghilly