Fascia lata flap to repair perineal hernia in dogs: A preliminary study

Abstract

Perineal hernia (PH) in dogs normally requires surgical reconstruction of the pelvic diaphragm. The use of fascia lata grafts has been reported and described in previous studies for the correction of PH after failure of the conventional herniorrhaphy. The purpose of this report is to describe a modified technique of fascia lata flap (FLP) for PH repair in dogs. Six client-owned male dogs with PH were included in the study. PH was repaired with a FLP obtained from the dog's ipsilateral thigh and sutured directly into the perineal defect. Caudal scrotal orchiectomy was performed in all dogs that were not castrated. Clinical outcome including postoperative complications and recurrence rates were evaluated. PH did not recur in any of the dogs included in this study. The mean follow-up time was 24 months (range: 18-34). Mild postoperative complications were observed. One dog presented partial skin dehiscence at the PH repair site and one had mild lameness. Complications were completely resolved within 20 postoperative days. FLP is a simple surgical technique that can be used for perineal herniorrhaphy in dogs without long-term recurrence.