An anal fistula in dogs is uncomfortable and not without risk.
Therefore, this article explains how an anal fistula can develop in your dog and how it is treated.
How does an anal fistula develop in dogs?
Fistulas are small passages between two areas of tissue unwanted connection create there.
Anal fistulas connect the outer area around the anus and the inner area of the rectum.
They usually arise as sequence of smaller ones anal abscesses or after one Infection of the anal glandsif the wounds do not close properly.
But in rare cases it is overreaction of the immune system responsible for the formation of an anal fistula.
Symptoms of an anal fistula – This is how it makes itself felt
An anal fistula causes constant itching in your dog. Therefore, affected dogs tend to excessive licking, Nibble or even correct Bite in her anal region.
It is not uncommon for them to practice what is known as sledging, as in the case of a worm infestation: they slide their anus over the floor in order to scratch themselves there.
The anus is correspondingly reddened and also sore, especially at the entrance to the fistula.
Have many dogs problems in solvingsince defecation can also cause pain.
Depending on the stage and size of the fistula, it can already be pus in stool be recognizable.
By the way:
In principle, an anal fistula can develop in all dogs.
However, shepherd dogs are affected more often than average. One suspects the connection in their immune system.
Is an anal fistula dangerous for my dog?
Like an open wound, a fistula is an unwanted connection and disclosure of tissue that is worth protecting.
So they always offer that Risk of inflammation and infection.
Especially when infected by a resistant germ, an anal fistula can become a permanent problem.
The region of the fistula poses a high risk of infection as the open tissue may also come into contact with the dog’s stool, where all sorts of things are excreted.
If an anal fistula becomes infected or inflamed, this is not only uncomfortable. There is a risk of fatal blood poisoning if left untreated.
Does an anal fistula go away on its own?
An anal fistula does not heal without treatment. It does not arise overnight, but grows into a problem.
Treating them in the early stages also has a good chance of preventing bigger problems.
If left untreated, there is a risk of inflammation and serious infections, which in the worst case can end in sepsis.
In addition, more anal fistulas usually form, which in turn form abscesses.
What treatment options are there?
A vet will prescribe antibiotics and antiseptic ointmentsto keep the anal fistula free of infection and thus allow healing.
Owners should also support healing with zinc ointments and regular douches use.
If the anal fistula is the result of a severe immune system overreaction, your vet will prescribe immunosuppressants. However, these are very expensive.
If an anal fistula does not heal well even after a long period of treatment, another one remains surgical removal.
This is a minor operation in which the fistula is peeled out. This helps the healthy tissue grow back together properly.
During the treatment it is recommended to switch your dog to easily digestible or even hypoallergenic food.
This helps with difficulties in loosening and may therefore also have a slightly laxative effect.
Important:
Homeopathic remedies have no proven effect. The administration of homeopathic mixtures is therefore to be regarded as non-treatment of the fistula.
However, since an anal fistula does not heal by itself, there is a risk of complications including blood poisoning.
How do I prevent a fistula?
Regular check ups help your vet to discover an anal fistula at an early stage and thus facilitate healing.
If you have a dog with a long coat, you should regularly brush them yourself Control anal region.
Long hair can hide inflammation. In addition, dirt and matting promote inflammation of existing wounds and fistulas.
If your dog is having trouble passing stools, you should take them seriously. There can be a variety of diseases behind this, but they are often easy and quick to treat.
Conclusion
If your dog needs treatment for an anal fistula, this is a serious case. But with good and early therapy, a cure cannot be ruled out.
It is important that the fistula, like any open wound, is protected from infection and inflammation. Then the tissue can grow back together again.
Has your dog ever had an anal fistula? how did you notice that What helped him? Tell us about your experience with anal fistulas in the comments!