Perineal Hernia

Preoperative appearance of right and left perineal hernias Click to enlarge

Who is usually affected?
-Middle aged, male dogs that have not been neutered (castrated)
-Less commonly found in female dogs and cats

What is happening?
-Muscles weaken in the area surrounding the rectum (perineum)
-Weakening muscles allow structures normally located inside the pelvis (fat, prostate, bladder, rectum/colon) to move backward and herniate

Clinical signs you might notice in your pet
-Bulging of the soft tissues surrounding the anal region
-Straining to defecate
-In severe cases, abnormal urination habits or the inability to urinate may occur

Contrast enhanced x-ray appearance of a bladder herniated into the perineal region Click to enlarge

Diagnosis
-Careful inspection of the rectal area
-X-rays are frequently used to evaluate the organs of the abdomen and pelvic region

Surgical treatment
-Closure of the hernia defect by restoring muscles to the proper positions
-Castration

Special postoperative care
-Dietary fiber and/or stool softeners help prevent straining and make defecation easier
-An Elizabethan or cervical collar is often used to prevent the patient from licking or chewing the surgical site

Expected results with surgery
-Defecation and urination habits should return to normal