|
Perineal Hernia in Dogs: Surgically Treatable but Readily Preventable |
|
|
|
- Eliot Kaplan, DVM -
In dogs, the pelvic muscles form a canal on both sides of the pelvis through which the urethra and rectum pass through. Appropriately, this is called the pelvic canal. In middle-age and older dogs, a condition can occur in which the muscles on one or both sides weaken and eventually give way. This is called a perineal hernia.
Over time, when a dog has a perineal hernia, vital structures can be forced through the damaged muscle where they will then rest just under the skin. The owners will often notice a bulge to one side of the dog's anus...sometimes on both sides. The rectum is almost always involved. This causes the dog great difficulty in defecation. The owner often observes severe straining when the dog attempts to have a bowel movement. This straining in turn can literally push other structures into the hernia such as the dog's prostate and bladder. If the bladder becomes involved, the dog may not be able to urinate which requires immediate attention by a veterinarian.
This condition occurs almost always in non-neutered male dogs. The theory behind this is that in these dogs, the prostate enlarges over time putting pressure on the overlying colon. These dogs must then push harder when they defecate to override the impingement of the colon by the prostate. Eventually, this can cause the pelvic musculature to weaken and eventually give way leading to the perineal hernia.
To treat these dogs symptomatically, stool softeners can be beneficial. However, the definitive treatment is castration to shrink the prostate and surgery to fix the hernia. The surgery has its risks such as fecal incontinence if nerve damage is done. However a veterinarian who is experienced with the repair procedure can usually give the dog excellent results.
This condition can be prevented which would avoid the high cost of surgery to the owners and the severe discomfort to the dog. Simply by having the dog neutered before the condition occurs will prevent it in most cases. How often does it occur in dogs when they are not neutered? It probably occurs in less than 5% of all intact male dogs. Nevertheless, if it happens to your dog, you will be kicking yourself for not having him neutered previously. |
