Perineal hernia

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

You have new messages (last change).

Perineal hernia is a condition seen in dogs characterized by herniation of abdominal contents through the pelvic diaphragm and causing swelling on one side of the anus. The perineum is the area between the anus and the genitals. The pelvic diaphragm is made up of the levator ani muscle, the external anal sphincter, and the internal obturator muscles. The hernial sac may contain fat, intestine or the bladder. Most cases are in older intact (not neutered) male dogs.[1]

Perineal hernias are caused by excessive straining to defecate (tenesmus). Causes include prostate or urinary disease, constipation, anal sac disease, and diarrhea. Atrophy of the levator ani muscle and disease of the pudendal nerve may also be related to perineal hernias. Medical treatment consists of treatment of the underlying disease, enemas, and stool softeners. However, surgery is often necessary. Recurrence is common.

[edit] References

  1. ^ Ettinger, Stephen J.;Feldman, Edward C. (1995). Textbook of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 4th ed., W.B. Saunders Company. ISBN 0-7216-6795-3.
Retrieved from "http://en.wikipedia.org../../../p/e/r/Perineal_hernia.html"