Symptoms of an anal fistula?

Veterinary Medicine: What are the symptoms of an anal fistula in a dog?

• I have a 9 year old Brussel's Griffon who recently had his anal glands expressed.  Prior to this he was having attacks of running like his rear was on fire with his tail lifted and spinning around, grunting, panting and his abdomen contracting. He was better for 24 hours after the anal expression, and now is having the same symptoms again.  A friend has suggested the veterinarian should check for anal fistula.  Can you tell me what the symptoms are in a dog and how I might know if this is a legitimate concern? By the x-ray, he has no blockage and his liver is slightly enlarged and one of his liver enzymes is slightly high. The vet treated symptoms with subcutaneous fluid, metranidazole (sp?) and tramadol for pain.   The pain med does not seem to help that much.  He won't lie down.

• Answer:

  A perianal fistula, also known as anal furunculosis, is a lesion or infected glad around the anus. Symptoms include pain and discomfort particularly during a bowel movement, a persistent sensation of needing to have a bowel movement, biting or licking the anus, sleeplessness, decreased interest in food, ability to defecate or diarrhea. The vet's prescription of metronidazole is what would likely be given to treat perianal fistulae, so it seems probable that the vet already has not only checked but come to conclude that it, or some other inflammatory bowel disease, is at least a likely cause for your dogs discomfort. If your dog's distress has increased and you are feeling concern, call your vet for a consult... Describe your dog's condition and ask if the vet thinks another exam is needed or if the best course is to give it a few more days for the antibiotic to take effect. As is the case with urinary tract infections etc sometimes the discomfort of inflammatory bowel disease is extreme, yet unavoidably continues for a while before the results of treatment kick in. But no good doctor minds a guardian consulting with them and letting them know how their patients condition is progressing. If they say "give it more time" they aren't blowing you off but just recognizing that time is needed. Similarly, they may have a concern and want to run some more tests, or have an alternative medication which may make your pet more comfortable. If you are worried, call them up. Hang in there and I hope your dog feels better soon.