Problem with dogs rear end?

[shivvy]

I have a 2 year old rescue crossbreed - possibly wheaten terrier mixed with something else. Since we got her (approx 1.5 years ago) she sometimes seems bothered about her bum. It is hard to describe but she gets quite agitated and walks around at a quick pace with her head lowered, her tail down, sniffing at her tail end and trying to park it somewhere 'safe'. She gets quite clingy when she is like this.
I can't seem to piece together any type of pattern for when it happens - ie it doesn't happen after walks and she has no problems with her peeing or pooing.
She sometimes (quite comically!) sniffs her bum when she f@rts, but this is very different.
She is physically very fit now although she had been badly treated before we got her and it took some time to get her up to a good weight and for her coat to thicken. I sometimes worry that it could be something behavioural/psychological relating to her sad past but have no way of knowing. Does anyone recognise this type of behaviour or have any suggestions about what I can do to help her?
Thankyou.

[wolf63]

The only other bits around in that area are her anal glands and her 'girl bits'

The anal glands some times get compacted and need to be emptied - but they usually slide across the floor on their behind to try and sort that out themselves.

If she has been neutered it would seem to eliminate the possibility of some nasty discharge that is annoying her.

It might be that she has a slightly damaged tail that annoys her.

Or it could be that she knows that you are watching her and wants to worry you.

Next time you are at the vet mention it and he might have a look at her glands. When the vet did this to my first dog all the smelly gunk exploded backwards all over the vet's white coat. But my dog looked very relieved and happy.

She is obviously loved and cared for and sounds like a happy little lady.

[shivvy]

Thanks wolf.
Yes she has been neutered. I have looked but never see any redness, swelling or discharge from her girlie bits.

I considered that her tail might be sore but she doesn't flinch or look bothered when I feel it.

The anal gland issue might fit the bill though. She does rub her bum on the ground at times however not always when she is having her 'weird bum behaviour'. I had thought that the bum trailing was a sign of worms so made sure that she was up to date with her worming tabs.
I will get the vet to have a look at her anal glands - although my last old dog used to get compacted anal glands but I was able to tell because she started to pong - like a bad fishy smell. This little lady still smells fine (most of the time!)

PS - She really is loved and I am so proud about how well she has come on from the nervous, skinny, sick, bald girl that she was when we got her.

[lankeela]

My dog has been to the vet tonight as he had an impacted anal gland that has caused an abcess and burst. He had shown no signs of discomfort and it wasn't until his rear end was all covered in gooey mess that I realised anything was wrong. Antibiotics and washing with salt water and he should be fine.

Get her anal glands checked by the vet just in case.

[shivvy]

Thanks lankeela. I have made an appointment with the vet for tomorrow morning. I am kind of hoping that it is her anal glands now because I know that it is easy to treat. Haven't a clue what the problem is if it isnt that though.