Dog Constantly Straining to Poop After Anal Tumor Surgery: What Could It Be?

Constant straining, frequent attempts to go and loose stool after anal or anal sac tumor surgery need a recheck with your vet or surgeon soon. Possible causes include inflammation or infection at the surgery site, narrowing of the anus as it heals, colitis, and the tumor returning. Some of these are very treatable, so don’t wait to see if it settles.

Some loss of bowel control is a recognized complication of surgery in this area. It’s seen in up to a third of dogs after anal sac tumor surgery and is often temporary, but it can last if the nerves were damaged. Your vet will want to do a rectal exam and may suggest stool tests, blood work or imaging. Go urgently if she can’t pass anything at all, has blood in her stool, is vomiting, stops eating or seems lethargic.

Until then, take her out often, confine her to an easy-to-clean area when no one is home, and keep her rear clean and dry. Don’t give laxatives or anti-diarrhea medicines without your vet’s advice. See our guides to colitis in dogs and bowel incontinence in dogs.

This is general information, not a diagnosis. Please follow your own vet's advice.