Expert: Dr. Louis N. Gotthelf - 7/6/2005

Question
Hi,
For a few months I've noticed that my dog (a large mixed-breed stray we adopted years ago) sometimes sits on the grass when I walk her and she drags her butt, as if scratching.  My sister gave her a bath yesterday and says she noticed a hemorrhoid!  What can we do, short of operating?  I am taking her to the vet on the weekend, but I am worried and would like some advice now.
Thanks!

Answer
Dogs rarely, if ever, get hemmorhoids.  They do get tumors on their rectums and the one that you may be seeing may be a perianal gland adenoma.  We usually see these in males, but I have seen many in females, too.  Unfortunately, the only treatment is surgical.  I use a laser to remove these with minimal swelling and pain after surgery.