Perineal Hernia in Dog Symptoms:

A hernia is nothing more than an unusual or abnormal opening similar to a tear or a rip in the muscular wall which then allows other organs of the body to pass through.



In the dog world there exist four kinds of hernias, the inguinal hernia, the umbilical hernia, the diaphragmatic hernia or the perineal hernia. Pets can get congenital hernias which are hernias acquired at birth or they can get what are known as acquired hernias or even a secondary hernia that is caused as a result of a traumatic accident or episode. Some symptoms that are common to all the four types of hernias include feeling of lethargy, high or medium fever, vomiting, sudden weight loss, excessive saliva loss, bouts of coughing and / or rapid breathing.



Dogs that suffer from perineal hernias suddenly experience an unusual displacement of their organs in the abdomen into the area surrounding the anus that is referred to as the perineum.

Causes of Perineal Hernia in Dogs:

One of the common causes of a perineal hernia occurring in a dog is due to the prostate gland enlargement. Hence a perineal hernia can be said to occur because of muscle weakening for those muscles that are found under the tail and flanking the sides of the anus.



This condition is predominant among older dogs and can be the cause of various other problems and ailments in the dog. This condition is serious and needs to be corrected as soon as possible. The female of the dog is usually not affected by this particular type of hernia.

Treatment for Perineal Hernia in Dogs:

Normal treatment of hernias includes surgical intervention. But prior to surgery the pet needs to be stabilized with some antibiotic medicines and oxygen. At times even IV fluids and some rest. Based on the diagnosis and the radiographs the surgery is then performed. Perineal hernias are treated under surgery by using what is called the internal obturator muscle flap technique. Post surgery the vet will also prescribe various medications that the dog needs to take along with other post operative measures that need to be followed. Post operative check ups will also be required to ensure that the surgical wound is healing and also that the hernia is repaired. All hernias need not be surgically treated for correction. But the important point to remember is that the older dogs need to always be promptly attended to as their conditions deteriorate very quickly and the hernia can ultimately also be fatal.