Surgical Management of Perineal Hernia by Obturator Internus Flap in Dog

A 10 years old, intact male spitz dog was referred to Small Animal Surgery Out Patient unit of Madras Veterinary College Teaching Hospital with the history of dyschezia, dysuria and reduced appetite with an abnormal progressive, painless swelling at the right perineal region. On clinical examination soft fluctuating mass was palpable at the right perineum and revealed an extensive tear in the right pelvic diaphragm on rectal examination. The case was tentatively diagnosed as a perineal hernia. Routine Survey radiography and ultrasound were performed that revealed the presence of distended bladder along with omentum as the hernial contents. Symptomatic treatment was aided through catheterization to relieve the urine followed by sodium phosphate enema to counter fecal stasis. Hematobiochemical profile were taken to rule out organ health that revealed uremia and an increase in the ALP levels. Following restoration of dehydration and stabilisation of the patient, a herniorrhaphy was planned. Intra operatively, lack of muscle tone was observed in the pelvic diaphragm which made it unsuitable for standard herniorrhaphy, therefore an obturator internus flap was performed. Standardised post-operative care and treatment were administered until the dog had an uneventful recovery.