shop


The Furry Critter Network

Perianal Fistulae - Issue Description

Back to Canine Health Issues Menu


thm-img


Issue Name

Perianal Fistulae

Other Names
Anal Fistulae, Canine Anal Furunculosis

Issue Description

Canine anal furunculosis (perianal fistula) is a formation of an abnormal channel between the anal canal and the skin surrounding the anus. The continual discharge of watery pus from the fistula can irritate the skin and result in itching, discomfort and pain.

Symptoms

It is most common in German Shepherd and Irish Setter breeds. However, it has been seen in other breeds. Males outnumber females by 2 to 1. Clinical signs are characterized by multiple draining tracts and ulcers immediately surrounding the rectum. Animals may present pain and spasm when attempting to evacuate the bowels (tenesmus), difficulty in defecation and constipation. Affected area is usually very painful. An association between perianal fistulas and inflammatory bowel disease is suspected.

Clinical signs of anal furunculosis:

  • Pain or spasm when attempting to pass urine or evacuate the bowels (tenesmus)
  • Passage of red blood through the rectum
  • Constipation
  • Diarrhea
  • Ribbon like stool
  • Increased frequency of defecation
  • Perianal pus-filled discharge and/or bleeding
  • Perianal licking
  • Self mutilation
  • Perianal pain
  • Scooting
  • Offensive odor
  • Low tail carriage
  • Weight loss

  • Diagnosis

    Diagnosis is based on physical examination and history. Sedation may be necessary to perform a thorough examination since the condition can be very painful. Biopsy samples will confirm the diagnosis.

    Causes

    While the precise cause of the disease is unclear, some German Shepherds seem to be unable to resist even superficial infections which may arise in the skin. This may be the result of an ineffective immune response resulting in predisposition to the development of skin infections as a persistent problem. Additionally, the conformation of the German Shepherd allows for the broad base of the tail to remain in almost continual contact with the anus, thereby spreading a thin film of feces over the perianal region. Hence this is the site which is affected most frequently. Recent evidence, however, points to an immune-mediated process as the underlying cause of this disease.

    The anal sacs (scent glands) are usually involved in the disease process and are removed as part of the initial treatment. It should also be emphasized that a dog's predisposition to the development of Perianal Fistulas is lifelong. Relapses, although uncommon, may sometimes occur even after apparent care.

    Treatment

    In the past, treatment for perianal fistulas included surgical ablation (removal of the fistula) or deroofing (removal of the skin covering each tract). In general, surgery has been replaced by the use of immunosuppressive drugs. The response to cyclosporine, prednisone, and tacrolimus has been encouraging. Cyclosporine is generally considered to be the drug of choice and is typically used on a 16-week course of treatment. Surgery, once widely used, is presently reserved for cases that involve the anal sacs or for selective cases that do not respond to medical management.

    Prognosis

    Regardless of the treatment used, the earlier the condition is diagnosed and treated, the better the outcome. In most cases the prognosis is guarded to fair, understanding that recurrence is common. In more severe cases, and those involving surgery, fecal incontinence is a major concern.


    Back to Canine Health Issues Menu

    Featured Rescues

    "Don't Shop ... Please Adopt"

    laptop pro

    ASPCA

    The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals® (ASPCA®) was the first humane society to be established in North America and is, today, one of the largest in the world.

    Our organization was founded on the belief that animals are entitled to kind and respectful treatment at the hands of humans and must be protected under the law. Headquartered in New York City, the ASPCA maintains a strong local presence, and with programs that extend our anti-cruelty mission across the country, we are recognized as a national animal welfare organization. We are a privately funded 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation, and are proud to boast more than 2 million supporters across the country.

    The ASPCA’s mission, as stated by founder Henry Bergh in 1866, is “to provide effective means for the prevention of cruelty to animals throughout the United States.”


    laptop pro

    Petfinder

    If you can’t find the pet you’re looking for on Petfinder, don’t give up. Some shelters maintain waiting lists for specific breeds, so don’t be afraid to ask! There are also breed-specific rescues for just about every breed, and most of them post their pets on Petfinder. (Petfinder can even e-mail you when a pet that fits your criteria is posted — just click “Save this Search” at the top of your search results page.)


    laptop pro

    Rescue Me

    Jeff Gold, Founder, Rescue Me! Animal Rescue Network

    Jeff Gold lives in Watkinsville, Georgia on the same property as Rescue Me's Animal Rehabilitation Center, with 18 rescue animals. Shown with him in the photo to the left are Maggie, Izzie and Cortez. In 2003, after learning there was nobody doing boxer rescue work in Georgia, Gold founded Boxertown, an organization which helped find homes for over 500 boxers during its first two years. Based upon this success, Gold came up with the vision for Rescue Me! ― a network which helps all breeds of dogs, cats and other animals find good homes, anywhere in the world. RescueShelter.com is also a free service of Rescue Me! and provides the world's largest and most up-to-date directory of animal rescue organizations for all breeds of dogs, cats and other animals, including a comprehensive directory of wildlife rehabilitators in over 150 countries.



    Top