Perianal fistula, also known as anal furunculosis, is a serious medical condition that causes chronic inflammation and ulcerative, tunnel-like lesions of the perianal tissues surrounding a dog's anus. It starts as tiny holes in the dog's skin in the anus area and then evolves into deep tunnel-like lesions until the anus is consumed entirely. Perianal fistula is relatively common among older German Shepherds. In fact, of all diagnosed canine perianal fistula cases, 80% are middle-aged and older German Shepherds, and most are male. Unfortunately, many German Shepherd owners are unaware of this progressive and painful disease until it's progressed.
In this #LifeWithOldDogs® blog post and podcast, we'll provide information on perianal fistula in older German Shepherds, including what it is, the symptoms to look out for, and treatment options. By arming yourself with knowledge about perianal fistula, you can be better prepared to deal with this condition if your fur friend ever suffers from it.
What Causes Perianal Fistula?
The cause is not fully understood just yet, but one theory is that dogs with low-hanging, broad, heavy tails, such as that of a German Shepherd, contribute to Perianal Fistula because the position of the tail over the anus inhibits the ability for adequate airflow in the anal region. Another possibility is the impaction, infection, or rupture of anal sacs located on either side of the anus. But current studies point to perianal fistula being an auto-immune disease with genetics playing a role in who gets it and who doesn't
What Are The Signs Of Perianal Fistula?
Straining to defecate
Crying or in visible pain when defecating
Persistently licking the anal area
Biting at the anal area
diarrhea or constipation
Mucus or blood in stool
Loss of appetite
Unwilling to sit
Reluctance to wag his tail
Changes in behavior, such as depression or aggression
Small oozing holes surrounding the anus
Tunnel-like formations, which can be deep
Pus/infection
Bad Smell
How Is Perianal Fistula Diagnosed?
Your veterinarian will listen to your concerns, refer to your dog's medical history, and perform a physical examination, including a rectal exam and a look at the anal sacs. She may also take samples of cells or tissue from the anal sacs or fistulas while performing the rectal exam for further testing. Depending on how your dog feels, he may need to be sedated for this examination.
Treatment for Perianal Fistula:
Since 80% of those suffering from perianal fistula will suffer from it again, treatment involves medication and surgical tactics to ensure the best possible outcome.
Medications can include:
Antibiotics (such as metronidazole)
Cyclosporine (inhibits immune system function
ketoconazole (antifungal cream)
Prednisone
Topical immunosuppressant creams (Tacrolimus)
Surgery (if needed):
Remove affected and dead tissue
Possible anal sac removal
Repair lesions if small
The surgery method of choice is performed via laser, cryosurgery, and cauterization.
If surgery is performed, your dog will have open sores for a few weeks, which will require regular attention and care to see that they do not become infected and heal properly.
Other modalities of treatment may include:
Keeping hair trimmed around the anus
Changing diet to a novel protein diet
Keep the area cleansed with an antiseptic solution and water
(Side note: Treatment can take months to get the disease under control, and reoccurrence is typical in dogs once treatment is stopped, In 20% of dogs, treatment doesn't work at all. In those cases, treatment comes down to maintaining the disease.)
Prognosis For Older German Shepherds With Perianal Fistula:
Unfortunately, dogs with perianal fistula require lifelong care, whether via a special diet, medication, additional surgeries, or fecal incontinence issues resulting from nerve damage from the perianal fistula. Furthermore, the drugs used for treatment can have serious side effects, and lastly, it can be quite an expense to care for a fur friend with perianal fistula.
To listen to this week's #LifeWithOldDogs® podcast episode that coincides with this blog post, click here: https://pdcn.co/e/www.buzzsprout.com/1771634/10357751-perianal-fistula-in-senior-german-shepherds.mp3?download=true
***** Disclaimer: Throughout the "20 Most Common Health Issues in Senior German Shepherds" series, each blog post is expressed explicitly from our point of view and is not to be substituted for the professional medical expertise of your trusted veterinarian.