Chronic Inflammation of the Rectum or Perineum in Dogs

Chronic inflammation of the rectum and perineum causes a bad-smelling and swollen area of the tissues around the anus, or of the anal glands.  This area may have sores and ulcers, which are painful and can cause infections. Perianal fistulas are most often seen in the Golden and Labrador Retriever, German Shepherd, English Sheepdog, Border Collie, Bulldog, Spaniels, and Irish Setter. However, it can affect any breed of dog, both male and female, usually those over seven years old.  Problems with anal glands can affect any animal, although it is more common in overweight animals.  

Having chronic inflammation of the rectal area and perineum can be an excruciating disorder for your dog. If your dog has perianal fistula, the area around your dog’s anus will become inflamed and sore, may have lesions that can become infected, and can cause incontinence in some dogs. Experts have not found a clear cause of this painful disorder, but is seen most often in certain breeds and dogs older than seven years old. 

Some studies have also shown that it is more prevalent in male dogs that have not yet been neutered. You may also notice a foul smelling liquid from your dog’s anus, leaving spots on the floor or furniture, wherever your dog sits. This liquid might be from your dog’s anal glands, which are used to leave his scent for identification. You should call your veterinarian if you see these foul liquid stains or if your dog is licking and biting that area more than usual. If left untreated, perianal fistulas and infected or impacted anal glands can become ulcerated and quite painful.  For both of these conditions, you must take your dog to the veterinarian or animal hospital.

• Scooting rear end on the floor
• Licking and biting the affected area
• Matted hair around the anus
• Ulcers and swelling in the anal area 
• Constipation
• Difficulty defecating
• Straining to defecate when there is no stool (tenesmus)
• Diarrhea
• Blood in the stool
• Loss of appetite
• Weight loss
• Bad smelling discharge from anus

The real cause of perianal fistulas is still not clear, but many experts suspect it to be an autoimmune disease. Although perianal fistulas can happen in any dog, male or female, at any age, some say it is more prevalent in dogs who carry their tails low and those that have a wide and sloping tail. Studies show that perianal fistulas are most common in older dogs (older than seven years old) and certain breeds, such as:

• Golden Retriever
• Labrador Retriever
• German Shepherd
• English Sheepdog
• Border Collie
• Irish Setter
• English Bulldog
• French Bulldog
• Cocker Spaniel
• Brittany Springer Spaniel
• English Springer Spaniel
• Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

The first thing your veterinarian will do is talk with you about your dog’s medical history. He will need to know every illness your dog has had, how the illness was treated, any changes in personality or changes in food. Your veterinarian will then do a complete and thorough physical examination of your dog, including taking his temperature, listening to his heartbeat, and blood pressure. Some of the tests he will be performing are:

• Rectal examination
• Stool sample
• Urinalysis
• Urine specific gravity
• Complete blood count (CBC)
• Blood glucose (test for diabetes)
• Blood chemical panel (test for high calcium, urea, phosphate, potassium, creatinine)
• Blood urea nitrogen (BUN)
• Digital radiology (x-rays) of abdomen to check for obstructions or hernias
• Aspiration cytology (cell or tissue sample test)

The veterinarian may also need a biopsy of the area to rule out other disorders.

The veterinarian will treat your dog depending on the severity of the inflammation and whether there are other complications, such as infection. Experts have discovered that certain autoimmune drugs can be effective in treating perianal fistulas.  The veterinarian will likely prescribe your dog Cyclosporine or Prednisone first. If these are not successful, the veterinarian may add a drug called Azathioprine. A topical medication like Tacrolimus may also be prescribed.

The veterinarian may also prescribe a special diet of protein that your dog has not had before to see if this may help clear up the problem. Sometimes dogs become allergic to foods that they have been eating for a long time. For example, your dog has been eating beef and pork; your veterinarian may prescribe a diet of fish and lamb.

With the medication, your veterinarian will want to monitor your dog’s progress with many follow-up visits. It is essential for the health of your dog to keep all your appointments and to follow your veterinarian’s instructions.

If your dog has surgery, you will have to clean the area daily and apply medicated lotion to prevent infection and other complications. With prompt and ongoing treatment, your dog has a good prognosis for control of this condition.

Paying to treat chronic inflammation of the rectum or perineum out of pocket can be a major financial burden. Fortunately, most pet insurance companies reimburse claims within 3 days, putting 90% of the bill back in your pocket. In the market for pet insurance? Compare leading pet insurance companies to find the right plan for your pet.