Yorkie Puppy With Hemorrhoids

Dogs, just like humans, can suffer from hemorrhoids. The condition is much rarer in dogs than it is in humans, however. Dog owners often assume that their pet has hemorrhoids when in fact they are suffering from a much more common rectal prolapse or other disease. Yorkshire terriers, affectionately called Yorkies, are one breed of dog known to get hemorrhoids.

  1. Diagnosis

    • Dog hemorrhoids occur in the rectum or anus and are essentially large blood vessels that are bulging due to increased blood flow. This bulging can lead to rupture and bleeding. Internal hemorrhoids are inside the rectum, just below the lining of the anus. External hemorrhoids are just outside the anus and are covered by a thin layer of skin.

    Cause

    • Hemorrhoids occur in Yorkies in the same way they do in humans: due to excessive pressure and straining of the blood vessels when going through a bowel movement. However, what accounts for this pressure is less certain. Genetics is thought to be one explanation; Yorkies seem to be more prone to hemorrhoids than most other breeds. Poor diet, constipation, illness and undeveloped muscle tone have all been attributed to the condition in puppies.

    Symptoms

    • The symptoms of dog hemorrhoids are almost the same as with other dog rectal diseases, and you will require a veterinarian to correctly diagnose the condition. The most notable signs in a Yorkie puppy may be a bloody stool, together with discomfort and itching. Discomfort will be most detectable if the hemorrhoids are external, which result in the puppy dragging his torso along the ground to stop the burning sensation. Remember, though, this may also be due to a rectal tumor or fissure.

    Treatment

    • Once a vet has diagnosed your Yorkie puppy with hemorrhoids he can ascertain the best form of treatment. Hemorrhoids is not on its own a life threatening condition, but if untreated it can lead to pain and enhance the prospect of other diseases, such as anal abscesses. External hemorrhoids are often treated with creams and careful management, while internal hemorrhoids can be treated with suppositories. Surgery is an option in severe cases. Vets also prescribe a two-week antibiotic course to prevent infection.

    Prevention

    • It's important to remember that your Yorkie puppy has a much better chance of recovery from hemorrhoids, if treated immediately, than an older dog would. However, with every treated dog there is a chance of relapse and recurrent development of hemorrhoids. A balanced diet, with plenty of fiber, and sufficient exercise and hydration should be enough to stave off hemorrhoids, along with full awareness of your puppy's behavior and activities at all times.