Dog Owner's Home Veterinary Handbook.pdf - Mr. Walnuts

292 •DOG OWNER’S HOME VETERINARY HANDBOOK
Unlike anal sac infection, the swelling of an abscess cannot be reduced by
emptying the sac. An abscess often ruptures through the adjacent skin, producing
a draining tract.
Treatment: If the abscess has not ruptured spontaneously, it should be
lanced by your veterinarian when it becomes soft and fluidlike. The cavity is
flushed repeatedly and the dog is placed on an oral antibiotic. Your veterinarian
may ask you to flush the cavity twice a day with a topical antiseptic such
as dilute Betadine solution for one to two weeks, and apply warm compresses
to the area.
PERIANAL FISTULAS
Enlarged, inflamed anal sac Ruptured anal sac abscess
Fistulas are draining tracts in the perianal skin caused by infection of the skin
glands in and around the anus. Initially they appear as draining puncture holes.
Later they coalesce to form open sores and draining tracts. The discharge is
foul-smelling. Occasionally fistulas connect internally with the anal sacs.
Perianal fistulas occur most often in German Shepherd Dogs, but are found
in Irish Setters, English Setters, Labrador Retrievers, and other breeds. There
may be an association with breeds that have a low-slung, broad-based tail.
Symptoms are similar to those of anal sac infection (page 291). There may
be a foul-smelling discharge. The diagnosis is made by visual inspection of the
perianal area.