Perineal Hernias Are a Problem in Intact Male Dogs

Perineal hernias are primarily diagnosed in older, male intact dogs. They remain a challenging and common clinical problem. With chronic straining due to prostatomegaly, the muscles of the pelvic diaphragm become fatigued and atrophied, and allow herniation of the rectum and surrounding tissues. Most herniations are located in either the left or right perineal region. Clinical signs include tenesmus, and the presence of a soft, fluctuant swelling adjacent to
the anus.

At the Dallas Veterinary Surgical Center, we correct perineal hernias by transposition of the internal obturator muscle. The muscle is elevated from the floor of the pelvis canal, and rotated along side the rectum, thereby covering the hernial defect. The internal obturator is then sutured to the anal sphincter levator ani, and coccygeus muscles. Once the internal obturator is sutured into place, it is reinforced by the application of a piece of polypropylene mesh. With this technique, recurrence of the hernia is minimized. Castration is also performed to reduce prostate size.

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