Longitudinal evaluation of the cutaneous and rectal microbiota of German shepherd dogs with perianal fistulas undergoing therapy with ciclosporin and ketoconazole.

Changes in lesional cutaneous and rectal microbiota occur in German shepherd dogs with perianal fistulas and shift over time with lesion resolution during immunomodulatory therapy. Further investigations of the role of cutaneous and enteric microbiota in the pathogenesis of perianal fistulas, and whether manipulation of microbial populations may ameliorate disease, are needed.