Surgery is usually the only option to cure a perineal hernia. Surgery can be used to move the hernia back into normal position and to repair the pelvic diaphragm.
How serious is perineal hernia in dogs?
A perineal hernia is a rupture in the pelvic floor, through which an organ may protrude into the region between the anus and the scrotum. This affects a dog's ability to urinate and defecate and may be life-threatening if the bladder or intestine is involved.
How do you fix a perineal hernia in a dog?
The perineal hernia is repaired using the internal obturator muscle flap technique. This surgical procedure creates a new pelvic diaphragm with the transposed muscle flap. Castration is always performed in conjunction with perineal hernia surgery, so that the prostate will shrink.
Is a perineal hernia painful in dogs?
The most common symptoms of a perineal hernia are swelling beside the rectum, constipation, and straining to defecate. Other symptoms are painful defecation, fecal incontinence, altered tail carriage, and straining to urinate.
How can I help my dog with perineal hernia?
Treatment of Perineal Hernia in Dogs For minor cases, medical treatment may be an option, though it does not cure the hernia or address the rupture. A combination of stool softeners, enemas, and a high fiber diet help relieve the strain of defecation, while the bladder can be decompressed with a catheter.
Is a perineal hernia an emergency?
Perineal hernia is uncommonly an emergency, except when the bladder has herniated, resulting in urinary obstruction, or when a loop of intestine is strangulated, resulting in ischemia.