My 18 month old cairn terrier keeps biting at his rear end. At first I thought maybe it was anal gland problems because there is no visible sign of anything wrong. I took him to the vet who couldn't find anything but gave him some anti inflammatories that dont seem to have made any difference. I think it is the base of his tail that is bothering him and I have noticed that he is holding his tail a little funny at times. Any ideas? Do I need to re visit the vet?
Jane

Has he been wormed Jane?

Regards Susan

yes he is up to date with worming

Anal glands, fleas, worms are the usual but he has been checked for those. Does he perhaps have anything caught in his tail it may be very small and pricking him, small seeds, thorns, twiglets can easily get attached to hairs, get a magnifying glass down there and see if you can find anything. Otherwise a second opinion back to the vets, something is obviously bothering him there.

Thanks for your replies. I actually feel quite reassured by them. I was thinking lots of sinister things so the fact that no-one has suggested this straight away has helped. I was wondering if maybe after the initial irritation it has now become a habit to lick at his tail. Anyway I am going to take him to the vet to get it checked to put my mind completely at rest and get any treatment if it is necessary. Thanks