Perianal fistulas cause chronic pain and significantly impair quality of life in affected dogs. Modern immunosuppressive treatment has transformed welfare outcomes.
Anal furunculosis causes constant pain from the fistulous tracts and ulceration around the anus. Affected dogs show pain on defecation, lick and chew the area constantly, and have difficulty sitting comfortably. The chronic, debilitating nature of untreated disease significantly reduces quality of life. Before cyclosporine became available, surgical treatments had high recurrence rates and caused significant post-operative complications. Cyclosporine treatment achieves remission in most cases, transforming the welfare outlook for this condition. Long-term management may be required to prevent relapse but most dogs achieve good control with appropriate treatment.