SO gross, but I need advice!

My little chihuahua hasn't been feeling well since yesterday. I didn't know what was wrong. He didn't poo like normal, just layed around, didn't get happy to see me like usual and wasn't eating. I thought his tummy was upset, but about 2 hours ago I saw him really licking his bottom, so I set him on the bathroom counter and lifted is tail... O-M-G!!!!! He had this HUGE... and I mean HUGE absess thing next to his booty hole. He's had this before and I just had to keep draining it until it was gone... SO, I donned the rubber gloves and set to the discusting task. You guys... my poor little guy... I've never seen so much gunk come out in my life. I got as much out as he'd let me and then sprayed it with Bactine.. which he immediately liked off. I've been checking on him and now he has a HUGE hole in his bum which he didn't have last time this happened. It looks like it was a boil or something and it's not filling up again, but I'm wondering if I should take him in to have the hole treated. It's wierd... it's not even bleeding. I've moved him into the bathroom for now in case stuff keeps coming out, I don't want it on my furniture. He's eating right now which is a good sign, and he got "sorta" excited to go outside just now... but he didn't go #2 which he ALWAYS does. lol So, he seems to be feeling better... and since the hole is not bleeding do you think I need to take him in or wait and see what happens?

Thanks for listening to my gross story... I wanted to be a Veteraniarian so I can handle it. lol

I would watch him today and see if he improves. Can you put a diaper on him? I know my friend did that with her dogs when they had issues down there.

Take him in. Especially since he isn't pooping.

He's so tiny, I don't know if I could find a diaper to fit him. lol That would keep him from licking it though. Maybe a preemie diaper.

I'd take him in, if he's not pooping that's not a good sign. Good luck!

O.k., this happened with our chihuahua a couple of years ago ... freaked me out! BUT, it is a common thing with this breed. There is a gland (I think) that is infected. The Vet will give you meds and he will be a good as new. There are two glands next to his rear and one or both of them are probably infected. I feel for you ...

This is going to be so gross. They are anal glands. They are what dogs use to mark their territory. The glands can become full and abscess. Some dogs just need to have their glands expressed more often than others. And if it is an ongoing problem you can have the glands removed. But given the area, infections are common.

Ick..you guys re-assure me that I don't need pets. Laura, sounds like you should take him to the doc.

Yeah, Amanda is right. Its an absessed anal gland. You need to take him to the vet for a couple of reasons. 1) because of the infection. It probably isn't contained to the gland. I could be in his bloodstream and he need antibiotics or at least antibiotic ointment. 2) you need to get a collar from the vet to keep him from licking it. It will get worse if he doesn't leave it alone. and 3) you need to talk to the vet about having his glands either removed, or expressed by them or a groomer (or even you, if someone shows you how to do it).

But I would suggest taking him in. Especially since he's not been eating normally or going to the bathroom often.

Good luck hon.