Dr. Phil Zeltzman’s Blog

I’ve never had this experience, but I’ve heard from colleagues that some pet owners were completely shocked when they stuck their finger in their dog or their cat’s anus.

(granted, it’s not a fun part of the exam for anybody involved!)

There are many excellent reasons for doing it.

In fact, I strongly believe it should be part of any complete physical exam.

In larger, well-behaved dogs, this can be done awake.

In fractious or small pets, it absolutely should be done under sedation.

Here are 13 reasons a veterinarian might perform a rectal exam on a cat or a dog, regardless of gender:

1. To assess or empty anal sacs

Anal sacs are a complete nuisance!!!

Most pets empty them spontaneously when they poop.

Some do not however, and they need a bit of veterinary help when they get too full.

The glands need to be emptied or “expressed.”

Your vet may also check for an infection or a tumor in the anal sacs.

Removing one of both is a common surgery in our practice, both for infection and mostly tumors.

2. To detect a mass in the rectum

Pets can have tumors, either cancerous or benign (like a polyp).

3. To evaluate the prostate

In male pets, the prostate gland can become enlarged and can cause problems peeing.

4. To investigate rectal bleeding

A pet can have blood in their stools for multiple reasons.

Fresh blood could come from the rectum, so that justifies doing a rectal exam.

5. To confirm a hernia

Dogs, mostly intact males, can have a hernia called a perianal hernia.

A simple rectal exam will confirm it.

Repairing it is a fairly common surgery we perform.

6. To detect a foreign body

Occasionally, a foreign body will travel all the way from the mouth, through the stomach and the intestine, and may strangely get stuck in the rectum.

I remember a sewing needle that did exactly that.

I was able to confirm it and remove it through the rectum.

7. To assess fractures of the pelvis

Even better, some fractures can be realigned during a rectal exam.

8. To assess “rectal tone”

A decreased muscle tone (or strength) of the anus can be a sign of neurological issues.

This can happen in paralyzed dogs or dogs who are incontinent.

9. To treat a rectal prolapse

A rectal prolapse means that part of the rectum sticks out of the anus.

The 1st attempt at fixing it should be to try to push it back in place.

10. To diagnose urinary issues

During a rectal exam, a vet can feel the urethra (the tube coming out of the bladder) for abnormalities or blockages, for example if a bladder stone moved downward.

Rarely, a tumor can be felt.

11. To check the area before or after surgery

Before and after any surgery involving the rectum, the anus, or the anal sacs, a rectal exam will typically be performed before and after surgery.

12. To assess narrowing of the rectum

The rectal passage may have a stricture or stenosis, which would cause defecation issues.

13. To check for fistulas

Some dogs, such as German shepherds, can have abnormal connections (i.e. fistulas) between the rectum and the skin.

So there you go.

There are probably other reasons, but the 13 above are the most common reasons a vet may stick a finger up there.

This simple test can save your pet’s life!

If you would like to learn how we can help your pet with safe surgery and anesthesia, please contact us through www.DrPhilZeltzman.com

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Phil Zeltzman, DVM, DACVS, CVJ, Fear Free Certified
Pete Baia, DVM, MS, DACVS