what causes rectal discharge in a black lab?

Could be a couple of things. Anal sacs (also called "anal glands") are two small glands just inside your pet's anus. The material secreted into these glands is thick and foul smelling. Most animals can empty these glands voluntarily for scent marking or in self defense (like a skunk might do).

Domestic animals have largely lost their ability to empty these sacs voluntarily. Walking around and normal defecation serves to empty the glands but some animals become unable to empty their glands on their own at all. The sacs become impacted and uncomfortable. Dogs with impacted anal sacs usually scoot their rear on the ground in an attempt to empty the glands. Some dogs will lick their anal area and other dogs will chase their tailsIn dogs (but usually not cats), an anal discharge may occur when tissues in the anus and rectum get inflamed and ulcerated, a condition called a perianal fistula. Vets aren't sure what causes this, although it may begin when bacteria invade hair follicles around the anus, causing a painful and potentially serious infection. In addition to a foul-smelling discharge, there may be bleeding. This condition can occur in any dog but is most common in large breeds such as German shepherds and English and Irish setters.

An anal discharge can also occur when the anal sacs -- one on either side of the anus -- don't drain properly. The buildup of fluids can lead to an infection, possibly followed by an abscess, an open sore that can ooze and bleed, says Lori A. Wise, D.V.M., a veterinarian in private practice in Wheat Ridge, Colorado. Since an anal abscess can be extremely uncomfortable, dogs and cats will often scoot on their bottoms to relieve the irritation. In fact, scooting is one of the main signs of anal problems.

See Your Vet If...

There is a discharge, bleeding, or a foul smell in the anal area

Your pet is frequently scooting or licking her bottom

Your pet's tail is limp

A discharge from the anus, penis, or vagina has lasted two days or more

Your pet is constantly licking his back end

The vagina or anal area is red and swollen

There is a growth on the anus or genitals

Urine is dribbling while your pet sleeps

There has been a change in your pet's urinating habits, or he is unable to urinate

There is blood in the urine

He's lost fur on the top or base of the tail

The tail is greasy or infected, or it is getting thicker

The anal opening stays open

Your pet has been scooting for two days or more it is time for a vet call.

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RE:

what causes rectal discharge in a black lab?

Our 4 yr old black lab sometime has a water like discharge from his rectum with a bad odorWhat can cause this?

It sounds to me like your dog as an anal gland issue. Anal glands are small grape like glands on both sides of your dog's rectum at roughly 6 and 9 o'clock. They are scent glands. Normally they express themselves when your dog has a bowel movement. Some dogs for whatever reason can't do this as well. They need to have the glands manually expressed. You can make an appointment at your vet and they can do it(usually a tech can do it). It is a simple process and has a nominal fee. Sometimes they can get infected which may require oral meds and being infused with ointment. You may want to make an appt. with the vet first to make sure that they aren't infected or impacted. They can give you tips on how to manage it., like feeding a food higher in fiber or even teaching you how to express them(though most people are willing to pay for the service). Yes that smell is normal, awful, but normal. Good Luck.

Sounds like anal gland discharge. Does he tend to do it when being brushed, touched,or rubbed on his lower back area or stomach? Sometimes they get relaxed and the fluid comes out on its own.

Check with your vet and do some online research.

Is it a black liquid with a fishy smell?

That indicates anal glands need expressing by either a qualified groomer or a vet.

Anal Discharge

I also agree with the anal glands and take her to the vet soon. My dog started having taht too (she was old) and smelt bad even after we gave her a bath. We took her to the vet and they told us the had a uterus infection. She was going to die w/out the surgery and they said probably wouldnt make it through surgery cuz she was old......:( so we put her out of her misery because she was in pain and was going to die so we put her to sleep :(

What does the discharge look like? When is it present? How often?

i agree that it is probably anal glands but usually it is the small dogs that are bothered with them getting clogged (the vet can squeeze them and get them to release that junk). Better take the doggie in to make sure it is not worms cause there are a bunch of different types of worms they can get too.

Good Q.

Make sure your dog does not have bloat.

Bloat is when there stomach is turned upside down.

The vet will staple her stomach so it wont move anymore.

But other wise,

Have you changed her food?

Have you fed her and table scraps?

Have you fed her anything that would make you anis bleed?

Have you fed her anything to constipate her?