Canine Fistula

Canine perianal fistulas have no known cause. Researchers have explored a variety of possibilities including hip dysplasia, anal sac disease and hair follicle contamination from fecal matter. Poor ventilation in the anal area associated with low tail carriage could contribute to perianal fistulas. Mucus, blood in stools, chronic pain and constant licking could cause a dog to experience frustration. Contact a veterinarian or a canine internist to seek medical and surgical treatments for long-term care.

  1. Dogs at Risk

    • Perianal fistulas can occur in any dog. Dogs with a larger number of glands in the perianal area compared to other breeds, such as German shepherds, have a higher risk of developing perianal fistulas. Fistulas occur most commonly among middle-aged male dogs between the ages of 5 and 8 years old, but they can occur in dogs as young as 1 and as old as 14 years, according to PetEducation.com. Other breeds reported as having perianal fistulas, according to Pet Education, include Laborador Retrievers, Irish Setters, Border Collies, Spaniels, Bulldogs, Sheepdogs and mixed breeds.

    Diagnosis

    • Perianal fistulas are diagnosed by a physical examination of the dog's anal area combined with an examination of the dog's medical history. A thorough examination may be necessary by placing the dog under sedation. Cell or tissue samples from the fistulas may be collected for microscopic examination or for bacterial culture and sensitivity, according to the American College of Veterinary Surgeons. Anal sac obstruction and perianal tumors often mimic perianal fistula symptoms, making biopsy testing even more imperative.

    Treatment Options

    • Medical treatment for perianal fistulas is usually carried out by a board certified canine internist or canine dermatologist. Depending upon the dog and the intensity of the fistula symptoms, treatments may vary or be carried out in combination with surgical treatments. Strategies for medical treatments may include a change in diet to a novel protein diet, as suggested by American College of Veterinary Surgeons online. Antibiotics, oral anti-inflammatory, immunosuppressive or topical medications may be prescribed. Cryosurgery or laser surgery treatments are often performed in small lesion cases or to remove dead tissue associated with the fistulous tracts to promote healing.

    Aftercare and Recurrence Prevention

    • Dogs experiencing perianal fistulas require long-term, lifelong care. Dogs experiencing surgery for fistula conditions will have raw wounds requiring daily gentle cleansing for several weeks to remove dead tissue, fecal matter and bacteria. E-collars may be required for your dog, to avoid self-mutilation. Laxatives and high-quality diets are necessary as suggested by your veterinarian. Special drugs may be necessary, as prescribed by your veterinarian. Since German shepherds are at increased risk for fistulas, heredity may affect the disease development, concluding that dogs with perianal fistulas should not be bred, according to the American College of Veterinary Surgeons online.