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What causes inflamed anus and fecal incontinence in old dogs?

Updated on September 23, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Labrador Retriever | Female | spayed | 90 lbs

I have a 12yr old black lab female. She has an inflamed anus and has a hard time holding her feces. It's gotten so bad that we may have to put her down if it can't be solved.

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Ann Dion, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on May 24, 2017

Hello. I am very sorry that Jesse is having these issues. There are many many causes of chronic diarrhea, and chronic diarrhea could be the cause of the inflammed anus. Chronic diarrhea could be due to diet (either a poor diet, a diet of raw food and bones, or a food allergy), could be due to IBD (irritable bowel disease), intestinal cancers, exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, and other causes. I would suggest going to your vet and discussing the possible causes. They can do blood tests, imaging and biopsies to determine the underlying cause. If you would like to discuss this case in more detail, with more information as to what you have tried, her age, and other details, feel free to have a 'consultation' with one of our experts. Good luck with Jesse. I hope you can get to the bottom of this and both you and Jesse can have a better quality of life.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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