Impacted anal sacs, infection of the anal sac, abscessed anal sac
Overview:
Anal sacs are the reservoirs for the secretions of anal glands which are located on either side of a dog's anus, at approximately four and eight o'clock. These sacs contain liquid secretions from the anal gland, which, in healthy animals, are normally pale yellow-brown to grayish in color. The contents are usually emptied during normal bowel movements, or when a dog is nervous or scared. In most animals, these sacs empty easily. However, some dogs, especially small breed dogs, are not able to empty the sacs properly and become susceptible to anal sac disease.
A dog with anal sac disease may scoot across the ground in an attempt to relieve the sensation of pressure and irritation around its rectum. Dogs with this illness will also chase their tails and bite or lick their rear ends to alleviate the discomfort.
Addison's disease
Overview:
Clinically known as canine hypoadrenocorticism, Addison's disease results from the decreased production of steroid hormones by the adrenal glands. The common symptoms of Addison's disease are not very specific, and can include lethargy, weakness, gastrointestinal upset, and poor appetite. Often these symptoms appear intermittently during an extended period of time.
Although some dogs may be diagnosed while in a relatively stable condition, most are diagnosed when an Addisonian crisis develops -- a severe stage of the disease in which shock and collapse can occur. If a dog is treated successfully for an Addisonian crisis, however, the long-term outlook is excellent, as most dogs can be controlled with oral or injectable medications to replace the deficient hormones.
Lick granuloma.
Overview:
A commonly seen skin disorder of dogs, acral lick granulomas are skin wounds that are worsened by a dog's constant licking of the affected area. Because the repeated licking hinders resolution of the lesion, dogs must be prevented from licking the acral granuloma until the wound has healed completely.
Acral lick granulomas have a variety of possible causes. The disease is often bothersome to owners as well as their dogs. A veterinarian can implement appropriate medical therapies to treat the lick granuloma and to prevent recurrence.