Perianal Fistula in dogs

Species: Dog
Condition: Perianal Fistula
Organ System: Nervous/sensory

Perianal fistula is a disorder which is almost unique to the German shepherd and Irish setter. It is characterized by single or multiple ulcerated tracts in the tissue around the anus. This is caused by inflammation of the sweat glands, although the exact trigger is currently unknown. It is acutely painful for your dog and they are likely to like the area continually. Other signs include straining, pain and bleeding when doing the toilet. If left untreated, these symptoms worsen. Your vet can provide medication to give your pet relief from the symptoms however surgery will be required to resolve the condition.

Breeds exposed to Perianal Fistula – Research Reference
Alsatian Cross – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)
Labradoodle Cross – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)
English Pointer Cross – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)
Labrador Retriever Cross – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)
Alaskan Malamute Cross – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)
Shih Tzu Cross – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)
German Shepherd Cross – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)
German Shepherd – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)
Labradoodle – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)
Alsatian – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)
Alaskan Malamute – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)
Australian Shepherd – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)
English Pointer – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)
Samoyed – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)
Shih Tzu – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)
Labrador Cross – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)
Australian Shepherd Cross – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)
Samoyed Cross – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)
Labrador – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)
Labrador Retriever – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)

Disease Author
Dr Merliza Cabriles, Professor of Veterinary Medicine

To learn more about Perianal Fistula or any other condition we invite you to search this website. Even better, pick up the phone and call your vet. Your vet knows your pet better than anyone else and is a fountain of information.