What Is Canine Perianal Fistula?

A perianal fistula most commonly occurs in dogs past age 7 years.

A perianal fistula is also known as canine anal furunculosis and occurs most commonly in older dogs. It can produce uncomfortable symptoms such as pain, itching and discharge of watery pus from the fistula. If a dog develops symptoms of a perianal fistula, a veterinarian should be consulted for proper diagnosis and a treatment plan.

Identification

According to the Go Pets America website, perianal fistula is a formation of an abnormal channel between skin of the anus and the anal canal. The fistula may produce a continual flow of pus, which irritates the skin.

Symptoms

The condition is very painful for dogs. Besides pain, the symptoms most commonly associated with perianal fistulas in dogs include itching, irritation of the skin surrounding the anus and anal discomfort. Canine perianal fistulas are characterized by multiple draining lesions and ulcers surrounding the anus. Other symptoms that may develop in dogs that have a perianal fistula include diarrhea, constipation, red blood passing through the rectum, pain upon defecation, ribbon stools, perianal licking, perianal pus, foul odor, increased defecation, scooting, weight loss and a low tail carriage.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of canine perianal fistula may depend on the findings of a physical examination and the dog's health history. A skin biopsy as well as culture tests may be performed in order to confirm the condition.

Treatment

The treatment for canine perianal fistula may include corticosteroids such as prednisone for inflammation as well as immunosuppressive medications. Good grooming habits are also important for dogs with perianal fistula. Keeping the hair clipped around the affected area and cleaning the lesions with iodine may help to control symptoms. Dogs that do not respond to medical treatment may undergo surgery to correct the problem. Like any other surgery, the surgery for perianal fistulas carries certain risks. The most common complications from perianal surgery include return of fistulas, fecal incontinence, pain and spasms while trying to defecate (tenesmus) and difficulty defecating.

Prevention/Solution

Canine perianal fistula is a chronic condition that may be recurrent even with medication and surgery. This condition must be managed on a day-to-day basis because it has no cure. A dog's owner can help by following her veterinarian's advice and keeping the dog's perianal area clean and well-groomed.

References

• Go Pets America: Perianal Fistulas, Anal Furunculosis
• Vet Info: Anal/Rectal Problems In Dogs