Anal Furuncllosis. - Page 8

#71 15-03-10, 11:25 PM

That is how it's supposed to work, some dogs respond to a low dosasge otehrs do not. I am very happy for you but truthfully you find out that once you know this disease and find the right vet it can be controlled, is not a death sentence. I belong to the PF-L group in yahoo, stands for Peri-anal fistula list which is how anal furunculosis is called in the US. We call ourselves the "Butt Warriors", we have a "poop patrol", so I invite anyone to come join the group.

sami · #72 16-03-10, 04:11 PM

Thanks you are right about the vet thing I am annoyed that shes been suffering for about 9 months unecessarily.

I wish I had got all this info 6 months ago. I did a massive amount of research on the net trying to find a solution, didnt see anything in the States I must admit. I came to this forum because a search threw it up and I am so grateful to everyone on here particularly Wildmoor. I had been ill informed by my last vet and if it wasnt for Wildmoor I thought I had examined every avenue.

Thankfully things look great for the moment and I am hoping I can forget about bums for the moment!!!

#73 17-03-10, 05:13 PM

One of the problems you encountered is caused no doubt by the different terminology used in the US vs Britain, anal furunculosis vs perianal fistula. Just remember if you need additional information you can always post here or go to teh yahoo groups and join, it is called PF-L. Just keep vigilant looking at your furbaby's butt, trust me on this, also if you see any irritation back tehre have teh vet shave the butt, easier to apply meds when needed. best to you and your dog

wildmoor · #74 23-04-10, 10:09 PM

Relevant research paper for the test already posted
http://www.koirangeenit.fi/dmdocumen...lifistelia.pdf

#75 25-04-10, 09:51 PM

Just so you all know as well, this disease in the US is called Perianal Fistulas. They are like big pimples with long roots that go deep into teh dog's body. It is not a death sentence, it can be controlled and sometimes put into remission but you must be vigilant. Cyclosporine is the gold standard to treat this disease, it can also be treated with prednisone, change in diet, an ointment called Protopic (applied once/day), for pain we mix cortisone cream with Orajel, it reduces teh swelling and numbs the pain, the dog relaxes and will not lick as much or at all. We also use baby diaper cream (Zync Oxide).Jewelyn

janemac · #76 09-01-12, 08:00 PM

Hi, i feel a bit of a fraud, i'm not a GSD owner, i have samoyeds, one of which my old lad Kato has been diagnosed with AF, i was directed here, and i really hope you dont mind, but i'm going out of my brain with worry. it was only diagnosed last wednesday, we have another appointment on wednesday (11th jan). at the moment, my main question is...the vet wants to castrate him, but nowhere i've read/researched or anyone i've spoken too actually recommends this, and i was wondering what you think? any help you can give is more than what i've got right now. many thanks from a GSD lover but a Sammy owner xxx

wildmoor · #77 09-01-12, 08:12 PM

Hi Jane, welcome

My llad had 3 bouts of AF each time caught early stages I had him castrated at 3yrs and he will be 7yrs in May

sami · #78 10-01-12, 07:54 AM

Hi Jane

My girl Sami had AF and had about 6 or so bouts from the age of 5 onwards. Obviously she is a bitch so the castration thing wasnt a factor.

She was treated with steroids and antibiotics many times with no real effect. When she was 11 she got a really bad bout that just wouldnt clear up, it went on for about 6 months. I changed vets at the point of having her put to sleep it was so bad.

The new vet was quite young and immediately said that in his opinion the steroids did nothing which I agree with and that the new treatment was Atopica and Nizoral. The fistula was gone within a few weeks and she has had no more instances since and she will be 14 in April.

The treatment is very expensive and pretty horrible for the dog but the results were amazing.

Personally I would ask your vets about this treatment. From my reading up on AF I dont think castration is considered to be very relevant these days but there are many other reasons why castration can be a good thing.

janemac · #79 10-01-12, 08:55 AM

Thanks for the replies, you've helped me make my mind up. I'm not going to castrate unless the vet can show a valid reason, Kato was rehomed to us 18 mths ago, we think he's probably 9-10 years old. whilst in the rescue he had 23 teeth removed and a bad reaction to the anaesthetic, and we were advised not to have him done due to this, so am very loathe to risk another. the vet has already mentioned Atopica, which seems to be the drug of choice right now, which is the way forward for us. will let you know after tomorrow's appointment. A week ago i thought we'd been handed a death sentence, now i know there is hope, and for that i cant thank you enough.
jane & Kato

sami · #80 10-01-12, 09:18 AM

In that case then I dont think I would risk the castration either.

I will just warn you that the atopica/nizoral is quite traumatic when they first go on it, of course all dogs are different but it made Sami really ill. I even questioned whether it was worth it but thankfully the results were very quick, we saw a difference within a week and were able to start dropping the dose after only about 6 weeks if I remember, her fistula was originally about 2 inches long and was well seated on though.

Good luck and let us know how you go on.