Perineal hernia repair in the dog by transposition of the internal obturator muscle

Abstract

A modified technique for transposition of the internal obturator muscle was used to repair perineal hernias in 100 dogs. Complications and long-term results are described. The most important complications were wound infection (45%), faecal incontinence (15%), and perineal fistula (7%). These complications often occurred in combination. The recurrence rate of perineal hernia was 5%. Nine of the 15 patients with faecal incontinence had paresis of the external anal sphincter or faecal incontinence before surgery. We suggest that in numerous patients, faecal incontinence is a complication of the condition rather than a complication of treatment. The owner's assessment of the surgical result was good in 71% and moderate in 18% of the cases.