Dogs are animals that like to spend time actively. On a walk they run, play, jump. Often this leads to injuries. Some owners do not pay enough attention to them, believing that they will heal themselves. It is not in vain that there is a proverb: "Heals like a dog." But this does not always happen. Sometimes a completely harmless wound can have serious consequences in the form of a fistula. In dogs, this pathology is quite common. May cause fecal peritonitis or sepsis. The quality of life of the animal is reduced. Without treatment, it can lead to the death of the pet, so do not delay the visit to the veterinary clinic.
Fistula - what is it?
This pathology is well studied by doctors. A fistula is a channel through which pus exits from internal cavities. Such a tube combines the affected area with a place on the surface of the skin. On the one hand, it protects the animal from sepsis, and on the other hand, it can cause an infection. The fistula opening differs from an abscess in a differentiated form with smooth walls.
Common places of localization are the anus and paws. As for the first case, the fistula occurs due to blockage of the paraanal glands. But the formation of pathology on the limbs is often diagnosed in elderly dogs. Concomitant diseases, such as arthrosis or arthritis, can provoke this.
Types and place of localization
Fistula in a dog is of two types: congenital and acquired. Each of them has features. Congenital pathology develops at a time when the puppy is still in the womb. This is due to developmental disabilities. It is rare. But a common type of fistula is acquired. It appears in dogs during life. It can affect different parts of the body:
- Muzzle. Most often localized under the eyes, but a hole may appear on the cheeks. Problems with teeth cause its development. Such fistulas are considered the most dangerous, as they can lead to blindness.
- Stomach. This location indicates problems with internal organs. Pus can accumulate in the abdominal cavity. Such a fistula is dangerous in that any bacteria and viruses easily penetrate the body of the animal.
- Neck. If this part of the body is affected, then the infection can spread to the brain. Naturally, this will lead to the death of the animal.
- Paws The cause of fistula formation is mechanical damage to the limbs. First, an infection gets into the wound received during a walk. Purulent exudate accumulates there, which leads to an abscess. If you do not open it, then soon it will grow into a fistula.
Cleaning the paraanal glands at home
Doctors recommend regularly cleaning the canal glands in dogs. It is their blockage that is a common cause of fistula. If the owner has experience in providing medical care, then he can do it on his own. You will need to put on a dog a muzzle, even if she had never bitten before. The fact is that if a fistula arises in the anus, then when pressed, the animal will feel pain.
So, how are the paraanal glands cleaned properly? To do this, you need to take a swab and moisten it in hydrogen peroxide. After they begin to massage the glands, squeezing a little. If everything is done correctly, then a dark liquid with a very pungent odor should spray from them. After that, you should inspect the anus. If it has inflamed areas, it is advisable to lubricate them with Levomekol ointment.
Symptomatology
In order to diagnose a fistula, no special equipment is needed. The owner can do this at home. Its hole is even. Pus comes out from it with a sharp unpleasant odor. Unlike an abscess, with fistulas, the temperature does not increase, there is no swelling, appetite does not decrease.
Notice it on the body of the animal easily. Around the hole, the wool falls out. If an infection has already got, then the skin near the affected area will peel off, and sometimes even a weeping wound will develop. In this case, redness forms around the ulcers, indicating an inflammatory process.
Purulent exudate leaves the fistula inconstantly. It happens that the hole dries up, and a crust forms on top of it. But still, from time to time, selections will appear. Healing takes place only for a short period of time. As soon as a large amount of pus accumulates in the cavity, the fistula will break through.
Fistula in a dog after surgery
Ligature fistula appears after surgery. Incorrect actions of the surgeon can cause his education. According to statistics, it most often appears after sterilization. The reason is insufficient quality treatment or infection. If you do not immediately notice the problem, then purulent exudate will accumulate in the cavities of the body. The owner should carefully examine the wound. If tubercles appear at the site of the sutures, upon palpation of which the animal will feel severe pain, then literally after 3-4 days a hole may open. Accumulated pus will go out through it.
If a dog has fistulas after surgery, then this indicates the surgeon’s unprofessionalism. It is advisable to consult a doctor's reputation before going to the clinic. Indeed, at first glance, a simple operation can cause the development of a serious pathology. And her treatment is already much harder.
Treatment
Many owners panic when they find a fistula in the dog. How to treat it? Definitely go to the clinic. It is not recommended to take any measures on your own. This will not only not help the animal, but may even harm it. The doctor makes a decision only after examination. If necessary, then appoints a survey. The main thing is to find out the reason that provoked such a pathology. For example, if a fistula has arisen under the eye, then the dog’s jaw is examined. Sometimes tartar can provoke it, so it will be necessary to remove it.
The most effective treatment for a fistula in a dog is surgery. How is she going? The surgeon removes the fistula, thoroughly rinses the cavity and sutures the incision. In order to avoid infection, the dog will be prescribed antibiotics. Conservative therapy brings only temporary relief. Relapses often occur after it.
Postoperative treatment
Fistulas in dogs are most often removed promptly. But the treatment does not end there. In the period after surgery, the doctor prescribes medication. They are selected depending on the general condition of the animal, its age and gender. Therapy includes antihistamines and painkillers. A course of vitamins is also prescribed. If the pet has a fever, then it is reduced with antipyretic drugs. Postoperative wounds must be treated with an antiseptic every day. In no case should the dog be allowed to lick the stitches. She can get an infection. In order to prevent this, a special collar is put on her neck.
Prevention
In order to prevent the appearance of a fistula in a dog, it is necessary to adhere to some rules. First of all, walk your pet only in safe places where he will not be able to injure himself. If abscesses form on the skin, then it is advisable to open them so that the abscess does not begin. It is recommended to carry out this procedure in a veterinary clinic. If this is not possible, then it is necessary to make a vertical incision from the center of the abscess to healthy tissue. It is important not to leave pockets in which pus can accumulate.
Most often found in dogs is fistula of the anus. In order to reduce the risk of its occurrence, it is necessary to properly feed the pet, regularly clean the ducts of the glands and strengthen the immune system. And, of course, do not forget to conduct treatment from parasites.
Conclusion
Despite the fact that the appearance of the fistula can lead to serious consequences, but it, although peculiar, but protects the body of the animal. After all, it is through him that the accumulated pus comes out. However, there is another danger. Through an open hole, the animal may become infected. Treating a fistula in a dog is quite difficult. The most effective method is surgery. It is impossible to delay treatment, since the dog may die from complications, in particular sepsis.