Abcessed Anal Gland

In all honesty, I THOUGHT it was the first issue we have had with him.  BUT, about 6 months ago, he had what I called a "lick wound" under his tail (a bit further up from the base).  The more I read, the more I feel it could have been anal gland related.  Looking back and thinking about it now...I feel pretty stupid about not putting 2+2 together.  But, in my own defense...I've never dealt with anal gland issues before.

His stools are mostly firm.  Sometimes, however he will have a soft stool.  I was thinking about this specifically earlier this morning.  Recently, when at the dog park and after an exciting meet and greet session with a dog his own age and size...he had a BM (the 2nd while there, that morning btw).  It was quite soft (pudding-like) and had a distinct yellowish color to it.  I chalked it up to the excitement.  Hmmm.  Now I wonder if it was relative to the current problem.

Well, 2 issues in 6 months is not terrible I think, although a rupture is pretty serious.  But now that you know what to watch for and some possible treatments to try, it might be worth waiting to see if you can get a handle on it non-surgically.  Once he's all healed, if the vet approves, I think even grooming shops can do an anal gland  expression (external) for a nominal fee.

As far as the stools, I know alot of dogs who get loose stools after running and playing alot at the park with other dogs, or during intense exercise.  Both of mine get that, especially Woobie.  If his stools are mostly firm, I'd hold off on adding fiber until discussing it with the vet.