Yes, It is possible that animals get hemorrhoids but not really so common.
Many message boards (and vets) for that matter will tell you that it is impossible for a dog to get a hemorrhoid and insist that your dog just has a swollen anal gland or that he/she may have a prolapsed colon.
Well, that's not true, dogs can get hemorrhoids, my Eleanor is living proof, and no, she did not get one because she had intestinal parasites. Rather she gave herself one by sitting in the vet's office (where I work) after being spayed and crying for me so hard for so many hours that the muscle strain and blood flow to her colon was simply too much for her poor little body to handle. Poof! Little M&M sized blood vessel hanging out when she strains to poop and vastly irritated colon.
I have written this in indignation to all the websites and message boards that said that canine hemorrhoids were impossible and for all those who ever asked that question and were promptly disregarded and given directions for treating swollen anal glands.
If you suspect that your dog has a hemorrhoids it is important that you first rule out the possibility of a swollen anal gland which can look similiar to someone whose dog has never had one before. If you are unfamiliar with what anal glands are, then you should take your dog to the vet as soon as possible. A prolapsed colon on the other hand is very serious and can be caused by the same muscle strain that causes a hemorrhoid, however, it is very dramatic looking and if your dog has it you absolutely know even if you never saw one before.
You also need to make sure that the hemorrhoid is a nice pink/red color. Purple or blackish hemorrhoids indicate dying flesh and as in humans need to be evaluated by a doctor and possibly surgically removed.
If you are certain that your dog has a hemorrhoid and that it is good healthy tissue, there are a couple things you can do.
1. The most important is to soften his/her stool. Reducing straining when defecating is critical to reducing blood flow to the engorged blood vessel. You can give your dog mineral oil or benefiber. Check with your vet for dosage. I gave my 38# shepherd mix about 2 tbsp oil with each meal. That may be too much for other dogs.
2. Creams. Yes, you can use Preperation H. However, do not let your dog lick it off. It is safe topically but as with any chemical, it can cause problems if ingested, particularly I have read of dogs having seizures. I myself used it on Eleanor with no problems even though she did lick some of it. You can also try pushing the vessel gently back inside of the anus if it is protruding. Cortizone cream can also be used to relieve itching.
3. Hot/Cold packs. Colds packs will help to reduce blood flow to the blood vessel. Hot packs will relive pain but keep in mind that it will increase blood flow to the area which is not exactly what you want in the long run. Use either depending on the severity of the situation and what you find is working best for your dog. Is reducing the size of the hemorrhoid your first priority? Go cold. Or is it decreasing your dog's discomfort? Go warm.
If your dog is very sensitive to having cold put on his/her area, try misting cotton balls with water or witch hazel, placing them in the freezer, and then applying.
Don't want to spend money on a cold pack? A frozen nylabone works just as well. Just wash before chewing, of course!
Canine hemorrhoids can take as long as 2 weeks to completely go away. If you have not seen improvement in the first week or are not sure what anal glands are, seek a veterinary visit.
Answered by kidsfor...Age : 40 1 month ago
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