Anal furunculosis is a painful chronic inflammatory condition most common in German Shepherds that causes significant long-term welfare challenges.
Dogs with anal furunculosis experience chronic pain during defecation, grooming, and rest. The condition causes behavioural changes including reluctance to be touched, aggression, and depression. Before effective immunotherapy, surgical management frequently caused complications including faecal incontinence. Cyclosporine provides excellent remission in most cases but is expensive. Without treatment, progressive tissue destruction causes severe and sustained welfare harm. Early diagnosis and treatment are critical.