Friends I Need Advice and Encouragement - Page 3

I have since found out like gsdland Keira's was hereditary.  There is now a genetic test for AF lets hope breeders start to us it more. I know of ONE in the UK that test for this horrific condition.
 

This is the PF site http://perianal-fistulas.tripod.com/MainIndex.html 

A wealth of information with vets listed by area that are savvy and up to date with PF treatments.
What works for one may not work for another. I also encourage you to join the PF email list where you will also find a wealth of info from treating, to feeding, to just plain old moral support.

Been there done this with two gsd's.  The first one was many many years ago, (both were the result of infected anal glands).  the first one I went the cryo surgery route, removed the glands/affected areas , he was 7 years old, lived happily to a ripe old age of 14.

The second was again a few years ago, the result of a blown anal gland.  Decided to try the cyclo route, which worked. He was on a 3 month dose, also used Desitin , he was also around 7 and also lived to a ripe old age of 13...He had a few reoccurances but the Desitin took care of the fistulas:)

PF's don't have to be a death sentence, it's just finding what works for your particular case, and maybe changing your protein source. Alot of PF
dogs seem to have other underlying conditions such as sibo, epi, allergies. 

In both of my dogs cases, I don't think of them as "true" PF disease as their fistulas were the result of anal gland infection.
Good luck to you and Prince
Diane

My son's shepherd mix had terrible PF, but even with advanced disease he led a mostly happy life. His exacerbations were bad, but they were pretty well controlled once we figured out the routine that worked for him. Mostly we kept him very clean, he learned to stand & lift his tail for his twice daily cleanings with gentle soap, & I used a spray bottle like you use for peri-care with a mild anti-bacterial/analgesic solution, which seemed to help a lot. When he was bad we used ketaconazole/flagyl/abx (maybe doxycyline? It's been a while...sorry) which calmed down the flare ups. My son took him west with him & he put him on cyclosporin, which helped but was unGodly expensive...so when he couldn't afford it anymore the poor dog re-exacerbated. But all in all, he was mostly a happy dog, who lived to be 12 years old....not too shabby.
Good luck, jackie harris

And my girls problems started with impacted anal glands which had to expressed many, many times before showing ANY kind of progress; almost like an absess in the anal glands.  What a mess and a stincky mess.  That is why I am thinking your boy would need this no matter what they want to call the problem;  please make sure to do this for him and the vet will have to do this to start, you MAY be able to continue for him and maybe not.  Depends on you and the dog and the problem and how bad his are.  Anyway, good luck.  Nan

Thank you everyone for your posts and Pm's..You guys are such a blessing!!!..I just got home from working all day and now have to run out for a family obligation . I only had time to take a peek..I will read through these post later and also the PM's....I am anxious to hear what you all have to say..Thank you..:) 

Hexe said everything I would have said.... it's good info and advice.
Hugs,
Debby

  GOOD luck with whatever you decide to do

I know nothing about this subject but many here do, so of course, do the least invasive with the least chemicals as possible.

Much of it I do not understand,,so hope you get some rest and then start your reading.

YR

Sorry to hear about your boy's problem. If it does turn out to be perianal fistulas not resulting from anal sac impaction, I can tell you that it is manageable. I had a female GSD who had a food allergy (to eggs) and who later came down with PF. I kept it under control with regular cleaning with plain water and then applying Protopic ointment and a small fistula doesn't take much ointment. I didn't give anything systemic except a homeopathic remedy prescribed by a vet. My dog was about 9 years old when she was diagnosed and she lived to 13.5 years.

Good luck with your dog and I hope it is just anal sacs. But even if it is PF, it's manageable. My experienced vet said some fistulas heal up with treatment and never recur, while others decrease in size with treatment and even if they never disappear the dog can be kept comfortable. You can and will deal with this.

Sam

Deanna- I'm thinking very positive thoughts for Prince's health. Any illness is very scary in the beginning.

Laura

 
Everyone!! Wow, lots of great information here...The posts and the Pm's have really been an encouragement. The advice and support is amazing..Thank you again..

 There is so much information here and I will re-read this again after work tomorrow..I am working two 12hr shifts this weekend..: (

 Prince has been on Orijen adult formula for about 6-8 months. Taste of the Wild and Natural Balance were his previous foods. His treats are natural salmon treats. That is pretty much all he get besides the occasional can of salmon added to his kibble..

 Prince has always had a tendency to have a dirty anal area presenting with a brownish tacky residue..No scooting, no excessive licking, no discomfort. The odor is not as pungent as an anal glad odor. I had a stool sample done not to long ago as well.He is the picture of health with a beautiful shiny coat and no signs of allergies..

  The vet did express his anal glands and performed a digital examination as well. Vet said that it did not appear to to be related to an anal gland issue and that when the anal glands were  expressed nothing was noted draining out of the fistulas only out of the anal glands. Vet said that most normally, if the anal glands were involved and causing the fistulas, then when expressing the anal glands, fluid would drain out of the fistulas. 
Something like that..lol..

  I told the vet that Prince has always had an issue with dirtiness around the anal area and I was hoping that the fistulas were a symptom of another problem. Vet said she believes that the dirtiness around the anal area is a symptom related to the fistulas. 

 My gut tells me if I can find out what is causing the dirtiness around the anal area I might be able to prevent the fistulas...Maybe me wishful thinking or wanting to deny the diagnosis given by the vet...I think I should start with his diet...There are so many choices...!!..I will think on it tomorrow...
 I am thinking out loud thanks for listening  Nite..:)