[rachelclare]

I have a four year old German shepherd just over a year ago she started having a problem pooping so took her to the vets and she had x rays and scan and was told she had a problem with her pancreas so put her on tablets nothing has changed I was told that she will have this problem for life it does not matter what tablets or if any she is still the same. I have noticed a few changes in her in the past month she goes to poop a lot more grunting and getting very distressed at the same time. She has started to chew her self in four different places and has a lump on her back which looks like part of her back leg. I tried looking at her back end as she is constantly licking her self and noticed that it looks very swollen and she has an open sore.not sure what to do I feel as if there is something really wrong with her.

[Aurora_Bell]

Well it does sound like there is something wrong with her. Poor girl. Has your vet spoke to you about specific diets? I would chose a low fat diet for a dog with pancreas problems, but I would highly suggest you speak with an actual nutritionist. Vets are very knowledgeable with foods and brands, but sometimes they get paid to rep specific brands, which might not always be the best choice for you and your dog.

The swollen behind sounds like it could be anal glands, which would make sense if she is having a problem with pooping. You can take her to the vet or to a groomer (usually cheaper) to have them expressed. You can of course do this yourself, but I would be a little worried with her condition. I really do stress to either take her back to the vet to see what else can be done for each specific symptom, or get a second opinion.

Sounds like she is stressed out, and that is why she is chewing on herself. The best way to keep these wounds clean is with warm water and Epsom salts. You are going to have to deter her from chewing. As soon as you see her chewing, call her name and get her distracted. Offer a chew toy or a SMALL FAT FREE!! Treat. Dried fruit is a great alternative if she will eat this. Please keep us posted, and I am sorry for your girls trouble. It’s a good thing she has such a wonderful loving owner who is willing to take on a dog with health issues.

[rachelclare]

Thank you she is on James wellbeloved, but does not eat every day (her choice not mine,and she is losing weight). Not sure what to do to stop her from being stressed out she is not left alone at all as I am home all day with her, I have tried stopping her from chewing herself with toys and chew toys but she seems to do most chewing at night when no one is around I only think this because her bed has a lot of blood on it in the mornings. There is also what seems to be discharge coming from her back end and she is smelly I have tried to keep her clean but she does not let me do it she does not get nasty I just get licked and she lays her head on my hands to stop me!!

[Aurora_Bell]

Wow, this sounds like a really bad case of allergies. Has she been treated for allergies? I haven't heard of the brand of food you are using, can you give me some details on it? Have you tried offering fish oils to help with the itching? What about calamine lotion on the itchy spots? What about adding a tablespoon of plain yogurt to her diet (this can greatly help with the smell) A healthy dog shouldn't stink, so this poor girl has something really going on. Have you checked her teeth and gums? Rotten teeth or mouth disease can cause bad breath, making the saliva smell bad too, which will end up on the dogs coat. Infected/enlarged anal glands can also cause a terrible odor. You can also ask your vet about tea tree oil in help with treating the infec6tions or skin issues. I swear by that stuff for animals and humans.

Also what are you using for laundry soap on your dogs bedding?

[paleophlatus]

If you haven't been back to the vets in a while, since she started having blood and smelly rear, it may be best to go again. This sounds like she has had an infected anal gland and it has broken (ruptured) and become an open, nonhealing sore. The odor may be the anal gland odor itself.