Traditional and natural approach to treating fistulas - Page 1

I have had three GSD dogs with fistulas, one treated back in 1978 the "specialist " we drive to weekly was a hr away. Local cauterizations was terrible! 6 weeks remission and back worse than ever. Broke ourheart when he was euthanized. I have 2 GSD now w great vet. We did the prednisone, metronidizole and tacrolimus and healing laser therapy2xweekly. One dog responded and has been symptom free for 8 months. The sibling didn't respond at all. After 4 months and fistulas escalating, abt $2000 in vet bills we were scheduled to euthanize. I asked the vet if we could try a hail mary attempt at natural tx with the prednisone. She now takes 4, 20mg pred. And we added 5, 30x sulfur tabs, 2 famotidine, 2 benedryl. And important to that we topically now do daily silver wound spray, at times she has a swollen inflamed area i mix up 1tbs coconut oil 12 drops of dettol anticeptic, 2 drips frankensince. Occasionally I have added a drop or two of lavendar and helichrysm. We use baby wipes for cleaning area i had to try a few to find ones that didnt irritate her. 6 months later we have nice tissue. On a rare occasion she might have a mild flareup and i have to add the essential oul. But typically just the meds and silver spray. I am slowly starting to back down pred. We are doing 1/2 tab less every 2 months. When vet tried to back down faster she has a glare up. I am just getting the word out. I think esp the sulfur 30x benedryl and silver spray have been key additions to the vets continued prednisone tx that have prolonged our babys life so far a extra 6months and counting with smiles on her face. Maybe you know someone who needs a hail mary attempt with fistulas. Might be worth a try and its so much cheaper. I spend now abt 30-40 a month instead of $500.

Different strokes for different folks - I had a dog with anal fistulas about 10 years back. We treated with cyclosporine, it eventually remitted; but then recurred almost 2 years later. Treated with cyclosporine again, it remitted again. But it came back, after less time this time. Never used steroids. The cyclosporine (now the veterinary licensed version, previously it had been human meds) seemed slower to work, we supplemented by daily mild saline bathing. The holes went, came back, went again - every time it looked to get better, next day we'd see another little one. Don't know how it would have panned out eventually as he then developed a tumour in his shoulder and was euthanised.