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Pereneal Hearnias
What is it?
A perineal hernia occurs when the muscles of the pelvic diaphragm weaken or separate, allowing abdominal or pelvic organs (such as fat, rectum, or bladder) to shift into the area beside the anus. This typically appears as a soft swelling next to the rectum and is most commonly seen in older, unneutered male dogs.
Causes
Perineal hernias are usually multifactorial, with key contributing factors including:
* Age-related weakening of pelvic muscles
* Hormonal influences in intact males
* Chronic straining (e.g. constipation or urinary difficulty)
* Prostatic enlargement or disease
What can we do?
Treatment is typically surgical and aims to reposition any displaced organs. The most common procedure performed at VOAS is an Internal obturator muscle transposition.
Here's an example of an Internal obturator muscle transposition we performed to repair a pereneal hernia on a dog.
Before:
Bronson has a large swelling beside the anus, as shown in this photo.
After:
Bronson's swelling has hugely decreased.This photo was taken at his appointment to remove his stitches 2 weeks post surgery!