Dear Dr. John,
My family has a beautiful four-year-old White Swiss Shepherd. He has always been healthy but recently spent a lot of time chewing at his anal area with what seemed like a lot of discomfort. They checked him out for anal glands being impacted and that was not the case. With no improvement, we took him back less than two weeks later. They did a test and said that he has an infection due to something called proteus and gave us an antibiotic called Marbofloxacin. Despite taking that now for over a week, his discomfort and attacking the area has not resolved. Any suggestions on what to do next? J.B.
Dear J.B.,
Your dog breed is indeed a handsome one! Was your dog also scooting initially as that is the most common sign associated with anal glands being impacted or inflamed? On the second visit, your veterinarian probably did a cytology and detected proteus mirabilis which is a commonly found bacteria associated with anal glands. Glands can be impacted, inflamed, infected, or all of these. Is the dog neutered? Unneutered dogs can also develop perineal adenomas around the anal are that can lead to some of the signs you describe.
Marbofloxacin is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic. It is one of the many options available to veterinarians to treat a proteus infection. It is usually a second, stronger choice when the more common antibiotics have not been effective. I would contact your veterinarian and inform them that there has been no resolution. I would likely consider adding an anti-inflammatory agent like an NSAID such as carprofen which is also analgesic, reducing pain or discomfort. A repeated and more thorough physical examination of the area might also be needed as well as a culture and sensitivity to see if another antibiotic might be more effective. Topical ointments might also be helpful but if the problem persists or gets worse, anal sacculectomy or removal may need to be considered. Hopefully your dog will get well soon.
Dr. John de Jong is President of the World Veterinary Association. He owns and operates the Boston Mobile Veterinary Clinic and can be reached at 781-899-9994.