RASH ON DAISY

Question
HELLO, MY DOG DAISY HAS A RASH AROUND HER PRIVATES AND HER ANUS. AROUND HER ANUS SHE HAS LOST A LOT OF HAIR. DAISY IS AN ALMOST 2 YEAR OLD BORDER COLLIE CHOW MIX. SHE HAS BEEN FIXED AT 3 MONTHS. ANY IDEAS ABOUT WHAT THIS MIGHT BE???

Answer
It is not always easy to tell when dogs and cats have a rear-end rash because their tails can get in the way. But if your dog is sitting a little funny or if your cat keeps sitting down to lick her backside, it is worth lifting the tail to take a look.

When rashes result in sore, broken skin, bacteria may take up residence, resulting in a nasty infection, says Terri McGinnis, D.V.M., a veterinarian in private practice in the San Francisco area and author of The Well Cat Book and The Well Dog Book.

In cats, rashes sometimes occur because they are a little too conscientious about keeping themselves clean. It is normal for cats to lick their backsides after using the litter box, but generally it is a "lick, lick -- I'm done" routine. "Some cats, though, get a little carried away, which can break down the skin," says Dr. McGinnis.

Both cats and dogs will sometimes get rashes after a spell of diarrhea or when they have had a hard bowel movement. This is especially common in dogs because of their penchant for chomping bones. When bone fragments pass out in their stools, the pieces can scrape the anal area, setting the stage for rash and possible infection.

Insect bites and stings are a common cause of under-the-tail rashes. So are tapeworms, unpleasant parasites that can irritate the anal area. Any irritation can induce dogs and cats to lick and scratch themselves, and this can lead to a painful rash.

See Your Vet If...

Your pet has diarrhea or constipation

There are white specks in the stool

She has been noshing on bones

Your cat is licking her backside more frequently than usual

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