Perianal fistulas, also called anal furunculosis, are ulcerated wounds around the anal area. These wounds will not seem to heal. This condition is actually a chronic inflammatory disease of the perianal region (the area surronding the anus).

Your dog will have ulcerated and deep wounds or lesions around the anal area. These wounds will not seem to heal, and they may be painful to your dog. Common symptoms of perianal fistulas in your dog include straining when trying to defecate or difficulty defecating, licking or self-mutilation around the anus, smelly discharge often with pus or mucus, low tail carriage, weight loss, and lethargy. Despite these many potential symptoms, this is a gradual and progressive condition and clinical signs can go unnoticed. In addition, it is sometimes hard to see any lesions because they are often hidden under the hair surrounding the anal region.

Most dogs afflicted with perianal fistulas tend to be middle-aged and intact (not neutered). Among purebred dogs, the German Shepherds is the breed most frequently afflicted with perianal fistulas. The second most common breed is the Irish Setter.

The exact cause of perianal fistulas is unknown. Anatomical traits such as a low hanging tail and an abundance of glandular tissue appear to predispose dogs like the German Shepherd to the development of perianal fistulas. In addition, an immune-mediated cause is also suspected.

Although your veterinarian may be able to diagnose perianal fistulas from the lesions and your dog’s symptoms, a biopsy may be required to confirm the diagnosis.

Perianal fistulas are difficult to treat, and not all cases respond well to medical or surgical therapy. Medical treatment usually consists of use of immunosuppressive medications such as cyclosporine or tacrolimus combined with antibiotics and an antifungal medication called ketoconazole.

Surgical treatment of perianal fistulas consists of removing the damaged tissue in your dog’s anal region and sometimes removing the anal sacs. Traditional scalpel, cryosurgery (freezing off) and laser surgery have all been used to treat perianal fistulas with varying degrees of success. Neutering an afflicted intact male dog also appears to help in resolving lesions.

Regardless of the treatment your vet chooses, your vet will also instruct you to pay special attention to keeping your dog’s anal region clean.

There is no known prevention for perianal fistulas besides not breeding impacted dogs. Likewise, you should not acquire a dog with a family history of this condition.

No, you cannot contract perianal fistulas from your dog.