The perianal fistulas are paths that originate in some internal location of the animal's body, such as the anal glands, and lead to the skin, just in the area near the anus.
Although not as common as in dogs, Perianal fistulas in cats are just as unpleasant and painful, and require treatment. treatment and special care that we will review in this article on our site.
Causes of perianal fistulas in cats
In dogs, especially in some breeds such as the German shepherd, the immune system is usually involved more frequently than in cats, while in cats, in which these fistulas are already uncommon, the problem is usually in the glands or anal sacs. These glands are located on both sides of the animal's anus and release a substance that, in addition to functioning as a lubricant, helping feces to come out, has a characteristic odor that helps them recognize each other.
Neither dogs nor cats are capable of voluntarily emptying these glands, which, on the other hand, lack autonomous emptying, since this is produced by the pressure exerted by the faeces when they come out. For this reason, in some animals in which the passage of faeces is not as regular as it should be, that is, in the cases of constipation or diarrhea, the The emptying of the glands is not carried out effectively, and can cause an accumulation of liquid inside them, capable of causing a fistula or infection of the anal glands in cats.
Drain Duct Blockages of these sacs are also capable of causing this problem, at least in theory. In addition, the anal sacs can suffer an infection, which can lead to a fistula or an abscess, which, in turn, can also fistulize.
Symptoms of perianal fistulas in cats
Cats suffering from this problem will Frequently lick the anus area, this being the most indicative symptom. On the other hand, and although it is paradoxical, anal fistulas in cats are sometimes accompanied by constipation, and in others, by diarrhea. So both conditions can be warning factors to go to the vet.
In any case, a fairly constant symptom is difficulty defecating due to the pain felt by the animal. Likewise, small traces of blood can be found in the cat's feces, so it will be essential to check their stools if we have noticed the previous symptoms.
Treatment and care of perianal fistula in cats
As occurs with most he alth problems, treatment should always be focused on the cause that provokes it. In this way, visiting the veterinarian to check the anal fistulas in the cat and determine the underlying reason, will be mandatory to set the steps to follow.
If the immune system is responsible…
The use of drugsusually gives good results, such as cyclosporine, tacrolimus or corticosteroids, the latter with very good efficacy but with some long-term side effects to consider. These drugs are administered orally and their effectiveness increases if they are complemented by applying an ointment to the affected area that also includes them in its composition. In any case, since they cause a drop in the defenses, mainly corticosteroids, and this is something quite undesirable in an area as populated by bacteria as the anus and its surroundings, it is advisable to use an ointment that also includes antibiotics.
A great option are the compounds that are marketed for the treatment of otitis in dogs and cats, since most incorporate corticosteroids and antibiotics and many have a creamy texture, making them very easy to apply. Apply.
Pathologies of the anal sacs
In cats, as we have been commenting throughout the article, immune system problems are not so common, so anal sac pathologies tend to be more frequent. For this reason, the oral drugs that we have mentioned are not usually necessary or effective for these cases, with the exception of antibiotics, although the application of a corticosteroid ointment It usually gives good results, since it serves to control inflammation. And as in the previous case, it is recommended that this ointment also contain antibiotics.
In cases of pathologies of the anal sacs that do not improve with treatment or that recur after treatment is finished, surgical removal of the glands may be necessary.
Emptying the anal glands and maintenance
Whether or not the anal glands are involved, it doesn't hurt to empty them. These glands are located on both sides of the animal's anus, approximately in the area that would correspond to 4 and 8 o'clock on a clock.
Even if the origin of the problem is not in the anal glands, in a cat that has suffered a fistula in this place, it is advisable to check the area periodically and empty the anal glands regularly. This article explains how to empty the anal glands in cats.
To conclude, we must not forget that, whatever the cause of the fistula, it is advisable to clean the area with an antiseptic product, such as chlorhexidine or betadine diluted in water in a ratio of 1 to 3. In addition, antibiotics should always be given to treat the infection of the cat's anal glands, if any, or to prevent it. Metronidazole is an antibiotic that has been shown to be very effective in these cases.
