Canine perianal fistulas, which are anal inflammation and infection, are a very painful ordeal for a dog and not only are they complicated as well and make the vet a difficult choice as to the appropriate type of cure.
Symptoms of perianal fistula in dogs include:
- The dog’s feces seem tight for a long time.
- The dog is in great pain when trying to produce feces.
- Small holes appear in the area of the anus which may be inflamed.
The cause of peranal fistulas is not yet known and therefore not the proper cure, which is why it is so complicated and can be difficult for vets.
The condition occurs when small holes, called fistulas, or even a single hole appear around the dog’s anus. These holes may or may not be inflamed, but eventually they will reach the tissue around the anus and there is a risk that it will spread to other holes.
Due to the severe inflammation of the anus, these holes are very painful for the dog. Additionally, the dog will experience severe pain when passing stool because the anus is in a constant state of tension. This usually results in long, thin fecal lines, rather than what they normally look like.
So far, there is no confirmed treatment for this condition and it is difficult to diagnose it. Although several surgeries and medications have been tried, there is no consistent success rate and therefore it is up to the vet to prescribe the appropriate cure.
Antibiotics, cyclosporine and cortisone and other similar drugs can be used by the veterinarian to suppress the immune system.
On the other hand, he may very well decide to carry out an operation. The vet has surgical options to completely remove the fistula, clean the inside of the fistula, or simply cut the affected part of the anus and recreate it later to cure the condition.
None of these treatments are safe and you may need to contact a specialized research center to find the latest cure or the latest treatment methods for this condition. Eventually, however, there is always a possibility that the disease will return to its original state.