Abdominal hernia as a rare manifestation of feline mammary gland carcinoma: a case report.

A 15-year-old, spayed female, Scottish Straight cat without any traumatic history was presented with swollen abdomen and diagnosed as an abdominal wall hernia. Abdominal ultrasound revealed thickened, irregular, and hypoechoic change of abdominal wall muscle adjacent to defect. During the herniorrhaphy, multiple nodules were identified in the subcutaneous tissue around the defect. Histological examination of the nodular tissue was performed, and it was confirmed as mammary gland tumor. After the surgery, metastatic changes of the pancreas were identified, and pleural effusion and ascites were also confirmed. The patient deteriorated rapidly and died 78 days after the surgery. This is the first case presenting abdominal wall hernia induced by malignant tumor in veterinary medicine.

Combined transposition of internal obturator and superficial gluteal muscles for perineal hernia treatment in dogs: 17 cases (2017-2020).

OBJECTIVES: To report the results of the combined transposition of the internal obturator muscle and superficial gluteal muscle for perineal hernia treatment in dogs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective case series of dogs treated with this technique from November 2017 to May 2020, including pre- and post-operative clinical findings, outcome and complications. RESULTS: Seventeen dogs were included in the study. Twelve dogs were presented with unilateral perineal hernia and five dogs with bilateral perineal hernias. Mean duration of clinical signs before presentation was 9 months. All perineal hernias were successfully repaired using a transposition of the internal obturator muscle to cover the ventral aspect of the perineal hernia and the superficial gluteal muscle to cover the dorsal aspect of the hernia with minimal tension. All dogs regained normal defecation within 24 hours post-surgery. Average follow-up time was 16 months. No recurrence of clinical signs or rectal deviation was observed. Five dogs developed a superficial minor partial necrosis of the T-shaped incision and two had surgical site infections. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Perineal herniorrhaphy using a combined transposition of the internal obturator and the superficial gluteal muscles is feasible and offered excellent results in this cohort of dogs. It may be considered as a technique for repairing chronic and extensive unilateral and bilateral perineal hernias.

Outcome of surgical treatment of perineal hernia in cats: 36 cases (2013-2019).

OBJECTIVES: To report the clinical presentation, complications, and long-term outcomes of cats treated for perineal hernia with modified internal obturator muscle transposition. METHODS: The medical records of cats surgically treated for perineal hernia between 2013 and 2019 were reviewed and an owner questionnaire was conducted to determine long-term outcome. RESULTS: Thirty-six cats were included in the study: 34 had bilateral and two unilateral hernias. Of these 36, 24 (67%) were male neutered with a median age of 10 (range: 1 to 18) years. The complication rate was low, however, one cat experienced a major postoperative complication: rectal prolapse requiring revision surgery 48 hours postsurgery. Short-term outcomes were available for 32 of 36 (89%) cats. Of the 32, 23 were examined 6 weeks postoperatively, and a telephonic consultation was performed for an additional nine of 32. Of the 23 cats examined directly, none had recurrence. Overall 12 of 32 experienced short-term postoperative tenesmus which resolved in nine of 12 (75%). Long-term outcomes were available for 31 of 36 cats (86%), with a median of 18.5 (6 to 89) months follow-up. A good outcome was achieved in 23 of 31 (74%) whereas three of 31 (10%) had fair outcomes and five of 31 (16%) had a poor outcome. Of the five cats with a poor outcome, two required subtotal colectomy to manage clinical signs related to megacolon, two were euthanised following a return of clinical signs, and one developed unilateral recurrence. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Perineal hernia should be considered in cats presenting with tenesmus or recurrent obstipation. Surgical treatment of perineal hernias in cats can result in good owner-assessed long-term outcome.

Autologous tunica vaginalis communis flap for repairing an abdominal wall hernia in a dog.

An 8-year-old, intact male miniature dachshund dog, weighing 8.6 kg, was presented with a soft swelling in the caudal abdominal region, including both sides of the groin area. Laparotomy revealed a severe caudal abdominal wall hernia with atrophy of the rectus abdominal muscle. The defect was repaired using a tunica vaginalis communis flap following a standard open prescrotal castration. There were no complications or recurrence of the hernia at 11 months after surgery. This surgical technique involves autogenous reconstruction, is easy to perform, and requires minimal dissection. The tunica vaginalis communis flap has potential clinical applications for repairing caudal abdominal wall hernias in male dogs.

Lambeau de tunique vaginale autologue pour la réparation d'une hernie de la paroi abdominale chez un chien. Un teckel miniature mâle intact de 8 ans, pesant 8,6 kg, a présenté une enflure molle dans la région abdominale caudale, y compris des deux côtés de la région de l'aine. La laparotomie a révélé une hernie sévère de la paroi abdominale caudale avec atrophie du muscle abdominal droit. Le défaut a été réparé à l'aide d'un lambeau de la tunique vaginale après une castration préscrotale ouverte standard. Il n'y a eu aucune complication ni récidive de la hernie 11 mois après la chirurgie. Cette technique chirurgicale implique une reconstruction autogène, est facile à réaliser et nécessite une dissection minimale. Le lambeau de tunique vaginale a des applications cliniques potentielles pour la réparation des hernies de la paroi abdominale caudale chez les chiens mâles.(Traduit par Dr Serge Messier).

Retrospective evaluation on the outcome of perineal herniorrhaphy augmented with porcine small intestinal submucosa in dogs and cats.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate post-operative outcome in dogs and cats undergoing perineal herniorrhaphy using porcine small intestinal submucosa (PSIS) alone and with internal obturator muscle transposition augmented with PSIS (IOMT + PSIS). Medical records were retrospectively reviewed and information collected on signalment, pre-operative signs, operative details, and hospitalization. Data on post-operative outcome were obtained from medical records and survey. Eleven dogs and 3 cats had 18 perineal hernias repaired with IOMT + PSIS and 3 using PSIS alone. Surgical site infection developed following IOMT + PSIS in 1/21 hernias (5.6%). Short- and long-term postoperative complications occurred in 9/14 animals and 3/14 animals, respectively. Among the 21 perineal hernias, 3 recurred, 2 of which were repaired with IOMT + PSIS and 1 with PSIS alone. Use of PSIS alone or augmenting IOMT was acceptable for perineal herniorrhaphy and should be considered by surgeons if there are concerns about internal obturator muscle integrity.

Évaluation rétrospective de l'issue d'hernioraphie périnéale renforcie avec de la sous-muqueuse du petit intestin de porc chez des chiens et des chats. Le but de la présente étude était d'évaluer l'issue postopératoire chez des chiens et des chats soumis à une hernioraphie périnéale utilisant de la sous-muqueuse du petit intestin de porc (PSIS) seule et avec transposition du muscle obturateur interne renforcie avec PSIS (IOMT + PSIS). Les dossiers médicaux furent révisés rétrospectivement et les informations amassées sur le signalement, les signes préopératoires, les détails opératoires et l'hospitalisation. Les données sur l'issue postopératoire furent obtenues des dossiers médicaux et d'un sondage. Onze chiens et trois chats ont eu 18 hernies périnéales réparées avec IOMT + PSIS et trois en utilisant PSIS seule. Une infection du site chirurgical se développa à la suite de l'utilisation de IOMT + PSIS chez 1/21 hernies (5,6 %). Des complications post-opératoires à court et long terme sont survenues chez 9/14 animaux et 3/14 animaux, respectivement. Parmi les 21 hernies périnéales, il y eu une récurrence chez trois, deux qui furent réparées avec IOMT + PSIS et une avec PSIS seule. L'utilisation de PSIS seule ou renforcie avec IOMT était acceptable pour l'hernioraphie périnéale et devrait être considérée par les chirurgiens s'il y a des inquiétudes concernant l'intégrité du muscle obturateur interne.(Traduit par Dr Serge Messier).

Abdominal Intercostal Hernia in a Cat (Felis Domestica).

A 2-month-old entire female domestic short-hair cat (Felis domestica) with no history of trauma was presented for assessment of a swelling on the left thoracic wall. Palpation revealed a large, painless, reducible swelling between the tenth and eleventh ribs on the left side. Radiograph demonstrated dorsal displacement of the abdominal viscera through the tenth intercostal space. An abdominal ultrasound examination confirmed the displacement of stomach and spleen through tenth intercostal space. Surgical correction of the herniated contents was undertaken via intercostal celiotomy. An acellular dermal matrix scaffold, prepared from deceased donor caprine-skin upon treatment with 0.25% trypsin in 4 mol/L NaCl for 8 hours followed by 2% sodium dodecyl sulfate for 48 hours, was used to repair a 3 cm wide intercostal defect present between the tenth and eleventh ribs. Recovery was uncomplicated and the cat was asymptomatic till follow-up period of 26-month after surgery. Congenital intercostal hernia in a cat is being reported, which, to our knowledge, is the first report of its kind.

Abdominal hernias in camel (Camelus dromedaries): Clinical findings and treatment outcomes.

The present study was designed to describe the clinical presentation of abdominal hernias and to evaluate the efficacy of polypropylene mesh in repair of such affection in camels. Twenty-six dromedary camels were included in this study on the basis of clinical and ultrasonographic evidence of abdominal hernia. Factors associated with prevalence and clinical findings of hernia were presented and hernioplasty using polypropylene mesh was evaluated as a surgical intervention. Out of 26 studied camels, abdominal hernia was prevalent in Wadeh camels than other breeds (17 vs. 9, P<0.01). Camels <6 years of age exhibited more hernias than other age groups (18 vs. 8, P<0.01). Moreover, females showed a significantly higher prevalence (19 vs. 7, P<0.01) of abdominal hernia compared to males (26.9%, n=7). The sensitivity (96.8%) and specificity (93.1%) of ultrasonography (US) for diagnosing hernia were higher in comparison to clinical examination (88.3%). At 3 weeks postoperatively, the clinical index score of 26 operated camels was significantly reduced in comparison with pretreated (22 vs. 4, P<0.005). However, only 2 cases had recurrence of the hernia and 2 camels had slight swelling in situ. By the 6th month post treatment, all treated camels were completely recovered. In conclusion, the polypropylene mesh is a viable and consistent alternative effective treatment for abdominal hernias in camels. In addition, the clinical index scores and US provide a precise paradigm for diagnosis and preoperative planning for abdominal hernias in dromedary camels.

A case of prostate B-cell lymphoma recognized in the contents of an irreducible perineal hernia in a dog.

We present a case of an intact 14-year-old male dog with a prostate B-cell lymphoma recognized in the contents of an irreducible perineal hernia. The enlarged prostate was replaced after reducing its size by partial excision, and the perineal hernia was repaired using the tunica vaginalis communis. However, the pelvic cavity was largely occupied by the replaced prostate, and urinary retention developed. The prostate was resected on the next day via abdominal median incision, and a bladder-urethra anastomosis was performed. Lymphoma has rarely been demonstrated to develop in the prostate, with the lesion comprising the hernia contents. The present study suggests the necessity of early treatment for perineal hernias and the possibility that lymphoma may be present in the hernia contents.

Diagnosis and Surgical Repair of an Acute Abdominal Wall Hernia and Partial Cloacal Strangulation in a Yellow-Naped Amazon Parrot (Amazona auropalliata).

A 38-year-old female, intact yellow-naped Amazon parrot (Amazona auropalliata) presented with an acute swelling along the ventrocaudal body wall, hematochezia, and tenesmus. Physical examination identified a defect in the ventral body wall. Bimodal pain management was initiated at presentation and hematochezia and tenesmus resolved. Radiographic imaging and contrast fluoroscopy identified a partial cloacal strangulation. An exploratory celiotomy was performed. Adhesions to the body wall were identified and broken down, the cloacal position was corrected, and the abdominal musculature repaired. Contrast fluoroscopy performed 72 hours after surgery confirmed normal positioning of the cloaca. Follow-up examinations documented proper postoperative healing of the hernia repair and maintenance of visibly normal passage of droppings. Although various abdominal hernias have been described in birds, this case demonstrates an unreported variation involving partial cloacal strangulation in a parrot.

Retrospective Study (2009-2014): Perineal Hernias and Related Comorbidities in Bitches.

Retrospective study based on data extracted from medical records of dogs diagnosed with perineal hernia between 2009 and 2014; medical records of bitches were selected for further analysis to determine the prevalence of perineal hernias in bitches and to investigate potential comorbidities. Perineal hernia was diagnosed in 182 dogs (174 males and 8 females; 96% and 4%, respectively). Surgical correction was performed in 6 bitches. Surgical procedures corresponded to internal obturator muscle transposition with or without polypropylene mesh reinforcement (n = 5) and semitendinosus muscle transposition flap (n = 1). Major comorbidities associated with perineal hernias in adult bitches were trauma (n = 3; 7.3 ± 1.5 years; 7.1 ± 8.5kg) and persistent cough secondary to conditions such as bronchitis, tracheal collapse, and cardiopathy in aged, small-sized patients (n = 3; 13.6 ± 2.0 years; 2.3 ± 0.1kg). Perineal hernias are uncommon in bitches and tend to be associated with comorbidities in these patients. Aged female dogs suffering from uncontrolled chronic cough secondary to cardiopathy or bronchitis are at risk of developing perineal hernia. Previous trauma to the pelvis is another potential risk factor for perineal hernia development in female dogs.

Urinary bladder herniation through a caudoventral abdominal wall defect in a mature cat.

A 16-year-old spayed female domestic shorthair cat with no history of trauma was presented to the Western College of Veterinary Medicine for assessment of urinary incontinence. Diagnostic investigation revealed herniation of the urinary bladder through a caudoventral abdominal wall defect. Clinical signs resolved after surgical reduction of the bladder.

Herniation de la vessie urinaire par un défaut de la paroi abdominale caudo-ventrale chez un chat adulte. Une chatte domestique âgée de 16 ans sans anamnèse de traumatismes a été présentée au Western College of Veterinary Medicine pour l'évaluation de l'incontinence urinaire. L'enquête diagnostique a révélé une herniation de la vessie urinaire en raison d'un défaut de la paroi abdominale caudoventrale. Les signes cliniques se sont résorbés après la réduction chirurgicale de la vessie.(Traduit par Isabelle Vallières).

Ewe characteristics associated with neonatal loss in Norwegian sheep.

A case-control study was conducted to identify ewe characteristics that affect the risk of a ewe losing at least one lamb during the first 5 days post lambing. Data were from a national sheep registry, and only ewes that lambed in the spring of 2010 belonging to flocks that reported disease events were included. Ewes registered with abortion or stillbirth were excluded. Cases (n=4850) and controls (n=85,354) from 1153 flocks were studied using logistic regression models, accounting for within flock correlation. The odds of losing at least one lamb increased substantially when litter size exceeded two. For example, in 3-year-old ewes, the odds were 6 times greater for those with 3 lambs than for those with 1 lamb. However, the effect of litter size depended on the age of the ewe; for example for ewes giving birth to triplet lambs, the odds of losing at least one lamb were 2.7 times greater in 1-year-old ewes than in 3-year-old ewes. Dystocia was associated with increased risk of losing at least one lamb, but the effect varied by litter size. In ewes with single lambs, the odds of lamb loss were 5 times greater in those that experienced dystocia than in those that did not, while within subgroups of ewes with twins, triplets or >3 lambs, the corresponding odds ratio (OR) of losing one or more lambs was 2.2, 1.5 and 1.3, respectively. Compared with ewes of the Norwegian White breed, ewes of old Norwegian breeds were less likely to lose lambs (OR=0.8). We also examined the effects of several diseases experienced by the ewe during pregnancy or shortly postpartum on the risk of subsequent neonatal lamb loss. Significantly increased risk was found for ewes with abdominal hernia (OR=2.5) and for ewes treated for moderate to severe clinical mastitis (OR=1.6) when compared with ewes without these disorders. In conclusion, our large study population allowed for a detailed analysis of the combined effect of important ewe factors that affected survival of their lambs in the early neonatal period.

Herniation of duodenum into the right ventral hepatic peritoneal cavity with groove formation at the ventral hepatic surface in a 2-week-old chicken.

Internal hernia in avian species is very rare. A necropsy of a 2-week-old SPF White Leghorn chicken revealed that a loop of the duodenum and part of the pancreas (4 × 2 × 1 cm) was protruding through the abnormal foramen (2.5 cm in diameter) in the right posthepatic septum into the right ventral hepatic peritoneal cavity. The herniated loop was located underneath the ventral hepatic surface, leaving a groove on the right hepatic lobe (2 × 1.5 × 0.4 cm). The part of the pancreas involved in the hernia was grossly enlarged. Microscopically, a zone of pressure atrophy of hepatic tissue was characterized by crowdedness of hepatocytes with pyknotic nuclei and faint eosinophilic cytoplasm and indistinct narrow sinusoids. The pancreas revealed hypertrophy of the acinar cells with an increase in the secretory granules and basophilic cytoplasm. This is the first report of duodenum herniation into the right ventral hepatic peritoneal cavity resulting in groove formation on the ventral hepatic surface in a 2-week-old chicken.

Bilateral lumbar hernias in a domestic shorthair cat.

CASE DESCRIPTION: A 2.8-kg (6.1-lb) 4-month-old sexually intact female domestic shorthair cat was referred for evaluation of bilateral, subcutaneous lumbar masses that were presumed to be the kidneys. CLINICAL FINDINGS: Physical examination findings included 2 mobile, nonpainful, 3×3-cm, bilaterally symmetric masses in the dorsolateral lumbar region. Abdominal radiography, ultrasonography, and CT confirmed bilateral body wall defects with renal herniation. Serum biochemistry profile, urinalysis, and excretory urography confirmed normal renal function. TREATMENT AND OUTCOME: Exploratory laparotomy, reduction of the kidneys, repair of the body wall defects, bilateral nephropexy, and ovariohysterectomy were performed. There were no perioperative complications. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Lumbar hernia has not been reported previously in a cat. It is important for veterinarians to be aware that although rare, lumbar hernia should be included in the list of differential diagnoses for a lumbar mass or signs of chronic lumbar pain in cats.

Use of canine small intestinal submucosa allograft for treating perineal hernias in two dogs.

Here, we describe two dogs in which canine small intestinal submucosa (SIS) was implanted as a biomaterial scaffold during perineal herniorrhaphy. Both dogs had developed severe muscle weakness, unilaterally herniated rectal protrusions, and heart problems with potential anesthetic risks. Areas affected by the perineal hernia (PH) located between the internal obturator and external anal sphincter muscles were reconstructed with naïve canine SIS sheets. In 12 months, post-operative complications such as wound infections, sciatic paralysis, rectal prolapse, or recurrence of the hernia were not observed. Symptoms of defecatory tenesmus also improved. Neither case showed any signs of rejection or specific immune responses as determined by complete and differential cell counts. Our findings demonstrate that canine SIS can be used as a biomaterial scaffold for PH repair in dogs.

Laparoscopic mesh incisional hernioplasty in five horses.

OBJECTIVE: To report a technique for incisional hernioplasty in horses using laparoscopic placement of a prosthetic mesh. STUDY DESIGN: Case series. ANIMALS: Horses (n=5) with ventral median abdominal incisional hernia. METHODS: A telescope and 2 instrument portals were established bilaterally, lateral to and distant from the hernia margins. After exposure of the internal rectus sheath by removal of retroperitoneal fat with endoscopic scissors and monopolar cautery, a prosthetic mesh was introduced into the abdomen and secured intraperitoneally using transfascial sutures with or without supplemental endoscopic hernia fixation devices. RESULTS: Successful placement of the prostheses was achieved without major intra- or postoperative complications. Repairs were intact in all horses (follow-up range: 6-23 months) without evidence of adhesion formation. Cosmetic results compared favorably with those typically achieved using conventional, open hernioplasty techniques. CONCLUSION: Incisional hernia repair in horses can be successfully achieved with a laparoscopic intraperitoneal mesh onlay technique. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Laparoscopic mesh hernioplasty has promise as a safe and effective method for repair of incisional hernias in horses.