Perineal hernia in a dog

Abstract

Perineal hernia is a pathology that originates from the weakening and separation of the muscles and fasciae that
make up the pelvic diaphragm, causing abdominal organs to move into the perineal region. It can occur
unilaterally or bilaterally and is more common in senile, uncastrated dogs. Hormonal, genetic, and neurogenic
muscle factors, prostatic alterations, and chronic constipation are related to the pathology. Among the main
clinical signs are tenesmus, constipation, dysuria, and oliguria. Although surgical treatment can be used to correct
the hernia, dietary and hormonal treatments are possibilities in cases where submitting the patient to anesthesia
presents many risks and when there is prostatic hyperplasia, respectively. An uncastrated senile canine was treated
at the Animal Protection NGO's outpatient clinic in Bom Jesus, PI, presenting an increase in the perineal region
accompanied by constipation and a history of perineal hernia repair. The recurrence of the pathology was
confirmed after analysis of the history, physical examination, and radiographic examination that showed
retroflexion of the bladder. The patient was referred for herniorrhaphy with polypropylene mesh support, as the
muscles of the pelvic diaphragm were not healthy enough to anchor sutures, and there were no further
complications during convalescence.