gsdog2 Posted April 11, 2010 Share Posted April 11, 2010 The litter brother of my eight year old GSD was diagnosed with a Perianal Fistula in January of this year and has since had 5 surgeries which included cauterization. After his last procedure on Wednesday his Vet has suggested the owner seek a second opinion. Of course the owner of my boy's brother is VERY concerned as he has lost a considerable amount of weight - approx 8kg in 4mths and is straining quite a lot. The anal area is cleaned twice daily, he's on AB's (Clavulox) - she was using Neocort on the area but has since stopped as it didn't seem to help. The owners questions are:- Can anyone suggest who she might go to for a second opinion (experienced in Perianal Fistula's) in the Brisbane/Ipswich area? Is there a particular diet that might help him? Has anyone here had a GSD with this condition - if so, could you give "any" advice as she is at her wit's end. Thanking you in advance. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Erny Posted April 11, 2010 Share Posted April 11, 2010 (edited) gsdog2 - I can't assist much either way but I will say that Furunculosis is/was something I've been concerned about with my boy. I learnt of this through google searching in regards to my boy's inter-digital cysts. I see by the website I've linked below that another name for "Perianal Fistulas" is "Anal Furunculosis". I am unable to help with a recommendation for a referral, other than to suggest that a second opinion from a specialist, rather than a GP Vet, be sought. If it were me, I'd also be inclined to consult with a very good Naturopath who may be able to assist/support any veterinary treatment by adjusting the dog's diet and supporting his system so that it can be the best it can be. Perianal Fistulas (Anal Furunculosis) Edited April 11, 2010 by Erny Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rappie Posted April 11, 2010 Share Posted April 11, 2010 (edited) What other non surgical treatments have been tried? Management of perianal fistulas often includes a hypoallergenic diet along with immunosuppressive medication such as cyclosporine or prednisolone. I know of some cases that have been treated with a topical ointment that has a local immunosuppressive action (tacrolimus). Unfortunately German Shepherd are the more commonly affected breed. I agree that a second opinion (preferably a specialist) is a good idea. Edited April 11, 2010 by Rappie Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gsdog2 Posted April 11, 2010 Author Share Posted April 11, 2010 gsdog2 - I can't assist much either way but I will say that Furunculosis is/was something I've been concerned about with my boy. I learnt of this through google searching in regards to my boy's inter-digital cysts. I see by the website I've linked below that another name for "Perianal Fistulas" is "Anal Furunculosis". I am unable to help with a recommendation for a referral, other than to suggest that a second opinion from a specialist, rather than a GP Vet, be sought. If it were me, I'd also be inclined to consult with a very good Naturopath who may be able to assist/support any veterinary treatment by adjusting the dog's diet and supporting his system so that it can be the best it can be. Perianal Fistulas (Anal Furunculosis) Thanks Erny - The owner has found a holistic vet who her current vet knows of and has dealt with, and he has promised to give her a referral to take with her on the first consult. I would be heading straight for a specialist myself, so was hoping someone here might be able to recommend one in this particular field. I'm also concerned about the diet and from what the owner has told me I don't think the vet treating this particular boy has been able to give her any recommendations as to what she should be feeding him. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gsdog2 Posted April 11, 2010 Author Share Posted April 11, 2010 What other non surgical treatments have been tried?Management of perianal fistulas often includes a hypoallergenic diet along with immunosuppressive medication such as cyclosporine or prednisolone. I know of some cases that have been treated with a topical ointment that has a local immunosuppressive action (tacrolimus). Unfortunately German Shepherd are the more commonly affected breed. I agree that a second opinion (preferably a specialist) is a good idea. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rappie Posted April 11, 2010 Share Posted April 11, 2010 What area is the owner in? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gsdog2 Posted April 11, 2010 Author Share Posted April 11, 2010 What area is the owner in? Ipswich Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rappie Posted April 12, 2010 Share Posted April 12, 2010 What area is the owner in? Ipswich I am based in Sydney so I can't offer any help with recommendations. Other posters may have some though. Otherwise she could call the specialty practices and ask them which of their specialists would be best to refer this case to and then make a decision. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gsdog2 Posted April 12, 2010 Author Share Posted April 12, 2010 What area is the owner in? Ipswich I am based in Sydney so I can't offer any help with recommendations. Other posters may have some though. Otherwise she could call the specialty practices and ask them which of their specialists would be best to refer this case to and then make a decision. Thanks Rappie - I will be sending this thread to my friend so all suggestions welcome Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gsdog2 Posted April 12, 2010 Author Share Posted April 12, 2010 *bump* Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dianed Posted April 12, 2010 Share Posted April 12, 2010 Sorry I cant be much help but I can sympathize as I had a female gsd with this problem over 15 years ago. Back then it was antibiotics which cleared it up, but a few weeks after it returned. My vet cauterized them on more than one occasion, I used heaps of antibiotic cream as well and generally bathed the area daily. I think I managed it for about 4 years or so. When they become unmanageable and not pleasant for her she was pts at the age of 12.3. My vet did say at the time that there was a specialist vet in Sydney who could operate and remove the glands. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gsdog2 Posted April 12, 2010 Author Share Posted April 12, 2010 Sorry I cant be much help but I can sympathize as I had a female gsd with this problem over 15 years ago. Back then it was antibiotics which cleared it up, but a few weeks after it returned. My vet cauterized them on more than one occasion, I used heaps of antibiotic cream as well and generally bathed the area daily. I think I managed it for about 4 years or so. When they become unmanageable and not pleasant for her she was pts at the age of 12.3. My vet did say at the time that there was a specialist vet in Sydney who could operate and remove the glands. Thanks dianed - I was aware years ago they removed the anal glands, but apart from Googling I have no idea how Perianal Fistula's are now being treated. I'm sorry your poor girl had to be pts, but 12 years is a good age for a GSD, and you did the right thing - you knew when it was the right time for her to go to the rainbow bridge. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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