Perineal hernia repair in dorsal recumbency in 23 dogs: Description of technique, complications, and outcome.

Abstract

To describe repair of perineal hernias in dogs positioned in dorsal recumbency. Retrospective case series. Twenty-three dogs with perineal hernias treated by herniorrhaphy, with or without adjunctive procedures. Medical records from 2016 to 2020 were reviewed for technique description and animal outcomes, and owners and referring veterinarians were contacted for follow-up information. Internal obturator muscle transposition (IOMT) was performed in 22 dogs, and polypropylene mesh repair was performed in one dog. Transection of the internal obturator tendon was feasible in all dogs undergoing IOMT. Eighteen dogs underwent abdominal pexy procedures, castration, or both during the same anesthetic period. No intraoperative complications were noted. Postoperative complications were noted in the hospital in 14 dogs and after release in 11. Incisional infection/drainage and persistent urinary incontinence were reported in four and two dogs, respectively. Hernias reoccurred in four dogs and tended to be more common in dogs that had undergone previous herniorrhaphies (p=.053). Recurrence rates were lowest in dogs that had no prior hernia repair or organ pexy (p=.035). Perineal hernia repair was feasible in dorsal recumbency. Complication and recurrence rates of perineal herniorrhaphy in dorsal recumbency were similar to those reported for dogs undergoing the procedure in sternal recumbency. Positioning of patients for perineal hernia repair can be dictated by surgeon preference. Perineal hernia repair in dorsal recumbency allows a single-stage abdominal and perineal approach without repositioning.