[JakodaCD OA]

I highly suggest checking out the site Lisa posted, they also have a listing of PF savvy vets by area.

Your vet sounds pretty ill informed when it comes to fistula's.

At your girls age, I probably wouldn't go for radical treatments but your vet is full of it , if he doesn't think they are painful and nothing can be done about it.

It is not just a "GSD" thing anymore either.

I would also shave up the area, keep it as clean as possible, join the email list they have tons of good info and people who will be able to suggest alternative treatments..

(You also might want to try applying desitin in and around the area)

I have been there done that, with two gsd's, and both had good recoveries from different treatment methods..

and I agree with the food change