Perineal hernia in dogs: which technique should we use?

ABSTRACT

Background: Perineal hernia may be unilateral or bilateral and results from weakening and separation of the pelvic diaphragm muscles, favoring the abdominal viscera herniation into the perineal subcutaneous. The factors described as possible etiology of this affection are prostate hyperplasia, senile muscular atrophy, myopathy and hormonal imbalances. Several herniorrhaphy techniques are available in literature presenting different rates of success leaving the question whether there is any technique that is predominantly better than others are. This case report aims to describe five cases of perineal hernia treated with four different techniques performed by four experienced surgeons.Cases Case 1. Semitendinous muscle transposition A 8-year-old intact male Shitzu (6 kg) was referred for the evaluation of a swelling in the right perineal region. The mass was soft and regressed into de pelvic cavity during palpation. Abdominal ultrasound and radiography were taken, which reveled perineal hernia and a mild prostate enlargement. The patient was prepared for hernia repair with semitendinous muscle transposition and orchiectomy. Case 2. Internal obturator muscle transposition A 9-year-old intact male mixed breed dog (18kg) presenting a two-week long unilateral (right-side) perineral hernia. Ultrasound exam revealed a cystic prostate and adipose tissue as the hernia content. After clinical and image examination the patient was submitted to surgical repair using the internal obturator muscle transposition technique and orchiectomy. Case 3. Internal obturator muscle transposition associated to correction of rectal sacculation A 12-year-old intact male mixed breed presenting swelling on the right side of the perianal region. The owner reported a 4-day long aquesia, emesis and increased volume in perineum for 6 months. During the rectal palpation, resected fecal content was present and rectal sacculation was suspected...