Excessive licking

[MrsLeftlane]

Our GS is 7 yrs old, he's been to the Vet 4 times for licking his butt, constantly. They ran all of the tests, x-rays, stool, anal probe, put on steroids, antibiotics, etc etc.. I'm at a loss. The vet is too. They don't know why he's still licking. His bottom isn't red, or irritated. He's healthy, they did an x-ray on his spine, and hips, no arthritis, dysplasia. The vet said he's very healthy. We haven't changed food, he's not scratching anywhere, or chewing... We don't know what to do. He goes off by himself to lick, and I don't think it's become a bad habit, it's not been an ongoing thing, it just started about 2 months ago.....I feel so bad for our big boy, you can tell he's feeling bad, but no one has any answers... Anyone have any ideas?

[mysweetkaos]

You stated, you can tell he's feeling bad...how? Are there other symptoms or you think he's feeling bad about his new pasttime? I would try breaking the cycle...perhaps it is just a habit. Try putting a cone on him when he is liable to be left alone and indulge. He may just be bored or stressed?

[JeanKBBMMMAAN]

Did they shave around his butt/back legs? Check his anal glands?

[Freestep]

Have there been any changes in the household recently? New baby, new dog, guests coming to visit, did you move the furniture around? Some dogs will lick/chew themselves when they get a little stressed... anything else new or different in the environment you can think of, that might be bothering him? Is he eating grass?

I'm assuming his anal glands checked out ok.

[MrsLeftlane]

No they didn't shave around his bottom. They also checked his anal glands all 4 times, and after expressing them at the first visit the Vet said they were empty. I have a cone, put it on him, and he always finds a way to take it off... He's a clever boy. I'm not sure what he would be stressing over, he's always with me, I'm a stay at home Mom, he gets time outside, doesn't spend any time in a crate,(we don't own any). He's a very laid back GS, gets lots of attention, and love. He also has a housemate, and they are best buddies (a Siberian husky).. Maybe it's become a bad habit, it just seems like he's not happy, or acting like his old self.
I did check the forum for anything similar and didn't find anything....

[JeanKBBMMMAAN]

I would ask them to shave - maybe? Just in case? Weird huh? I will think about this while I am driving around. My girl does do this and the other dogs also check her butt, but (ha!) she has some furunculosis there.

I did have a GSD with deep pyoderma and we had to shave her to find the sores. Thick fur.

Does the Sibe sniff his hiney?

Weird habit.

[MrsLeftlane]

Now that you mention it our Husky does sniff his bottom more often than normal. I have looked at his bottom and see nothing, but like you said it may be deeper. I feel like a nut case when I call the Vet. 4 times in the month of December, and they probably think I'm loosing my marbles... Being that I'm with him everyday I notice more than most, so they have to know that what I see isn't normal.
I'm going to write down the suggestions, and when I take him back in, I will inform the Vet. You know how it is though, they know you've been on the internet, and they look at you funny... I don't plan to self treat him, but I want to make sure we've explored all possibilities....
Thanks for the help!

[LisaT]

My boy did the same thing for awhile. Many months down the road he blew with a perianal fistula.

I would change the food, single protein, single carb source, and see if that makes a difference. I also like the idea of shaving and taking a good look.

[MrsLeftlane]

Just a quick update, I'm taking him to get a second opinion tomorrow. Our regular Vet actually recommended them. They said they will do more tests that their office doesn't do. I'm hoping we find out what it is, and get him back to his normal happy self. Thanks everyone for the advice, I will keep you posted.

[JeanKBBMMMAAN]

Good luck! Not sure what tests your vet is thinking they will do, I'd be happy for a good shave down and close up look see (well, not happy...but..whatever!). If you didn't ask, call your regular vet and see what things they are hoping this other vet will do.