Perianal Fistulas in Dogs ~ Edit with pic links, very graphic

[Jamie_Dog_Trainer]

Thanks Breezy, I didn't mean to be abrupt and hope you didn't take me that way. I am just so emotional over this.

The vet wasn't sure what she was looking at, which didn't surprise me. Gave me antibiotics and told me to get a stool sample. Husband and i will talk tonight and decide what to do from here.

 

[dela1991]

I had a female Chesapeake Bay that had surgery for an picky fistula once. Like you said, it was from a build up of bacteria in the area. She had a tail that was very thick and because of a back injury, her tail was always down. There was no circulation back there. After the surgery, which the vet described as removing a pie shaped wedge from her anus, I had to make sure to keep the area very clean. After the surgery, she had no more problems. I hope all goes well with your dog. Keep us informed, please.

Terri

 

[breezy]

Jamie do think about the lavender compresses.Its not going to cost you more than about 10 bucks and has the potential to give your boy serious relief. It may help soothe him and the area until the antibiotics have a chance to kick in. Dont worry about sounding abrupt. Dog people often are. I know cuz Im dog people too

 

[Jamie_Dog_Trainer]

Thank you both. We are talking about euthanizing him, but Hubby thought we should let the antibiotics work first. I personally think thats just "putting a bandaid on a broken arm" because one way or another we cannot keep throwing money at a situation that won't completely resolve. The we just had him neutered as a last ditch effort to change some of his behavior so we might keep him. I am NOT a fan of neutering because of behavior -- but in this case I have done everything but surgery for him.

I am so emotionally drained by this past week. Its not just the neuter and the sores on his butt, its also what lead up to the neutering. One thing after another. When I told the Vet what was going on she basically agreed with euthanizing him, however I know she wasn't sure what I wanted to do. Heck I am not even sure. He's a seemingly healthy 4 year old dog. He's not old, he's beautiful, he's very well trained. Not what you would call the usual candidate for this conversation.

The first impresson of a dog isn't always the right impression though.

I am really at a loss.

 

[Brindlebtch]

I don't quite remember why you neutered him? He isn't reliable around kids?

 

[Jamie_Dog_Trainer]

Yeah, I'll PM you. I want to keep this thread on track

 

[Jamie_Dog_Trainer]

I have some pics if anyone is interested in seeing what we're dealing with.

My heart sank when I examined him today. The sores are now tunnels/fissures with open spaces behind the openings. This is classic for Perianal Fistulas, I am certain now this is what we are dealing with.

** Warning ** These links will take you to pics that are very graphic. Do not look if you have a sensitive stomach or are easily offended.

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e49/EduCanine/100_0257.jpg

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e49/EduCanine/100_0255.jpg

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e49/EduCanine/100_0254.jpg

 

[breezy]

I know that the decision to euthanize him isnt being made lightly. Do what you think is right for all concerned. Not all dogs can or should be saved regardless of age/breeding/training. Its a harsh reality that all of us who work with dogs understand. Im sorry for the turmoil and stress your under right now.
Peace be on your mind
breezy

 

[Jamie_Dog_Trainer]

Foenix is at peace now. He won't ever have to feel any kind of discomfort, no thirst, no hunger, no pain.

Took him to the Vet again and she was shocked at how the fistulas had changed in 24 hours. In fact he had a new sore this evening from when I took the pics this afternoon. The two original wounds had opened up into one large tunnel with just a small peice of tissue holding them apart right at skin level. You could see inside the cavity about an inch. The new sore was also deeper than even the first two, though it had newly appeared from just a few hours before. I could not allow the suffering, he wasy laying around whimpering -- something he NEVER did.

I can pick up his ashes in about a week.

To everyone who participated in this thread -- thank you all so much for the suggestions, concern and prayers.

 

[sourland]

I understand the agonizing you had to go through. It's part of our responsibility as owners/keepers of dogs.