Retrospective Study (2009-2014): Perineal Hernias and Related Comorbidities in Bitches

An unusual case of traumatic dorsolateral sacral hernia with retroflexion of the urinary bladder in a cat

Background:

Perineal hernias are rarely seen in cats and can be caused by congenital or trauma. The urinary bladder is the most herniated organ and was being observed in prepubic, ventral perineal, umbilical, or caudoventral abdominal regions.

Case Description:

A 1-year-old female domestic short-haired cat was presented to the Animal Hospital of the Near East University Faculty of Veterinary Medicine with complaints of urinary retention as well as the inability to defecate. The patient owner reported that the cat had been struck by a car around 4 months previously, which resulted in a pelvic fracture. On clinical examination, a fluctuating mass was detected in the dorso-lateral region of the pelvis. After radiographic and ultrasonographic examination, the mass was diagnosed as the urinary bladder. A cystopexy operation was performed on the urinary bladder, which herniated through a muscular tear to the right dorsolateral pelvic region.

Conclusion:

Unusual case report of a sacral hernia resulting from a traumatic rupture of the sacral muscles together with urinary bladder retroflexion was reported in a cat.

Autologous tunica vaginalis graft to repair perineal hernia in shelter dogs

In an effort to reduce shelter intake, Miami-Dade Animal Services (MDAS) Pet Retention Program offers caretakers with an opportunity to have animals treated for certain medical conditions, free of charge. Discovery of new, simple surgical techniques for low-cost procedures provides veterinarians with more surgical solutions, expands the capacity for services provided through low-cost veterinary clinics and other shelter programs, and provides shelters with life-saving alternatives that will increase adoptability of homeless pets and reduce euthanasia rates. The aim of this clinical trial was to describe and to evaluate the use of the autologous tunica vaginalis communis as a free graft to repair perineal hernia (PH) in intact male dogs at an animal shelter facility. In 2018, seven male intact dogs, diagnosed with perineal hernias (PH), were presented to MDAS. All dogs had the surgical reconstruction of the pelvic diaphragm repaired by using the tunica vaginalis communis obtained at the time of castration, prior to the perineal access, and sutured directly into the perineal defect. Clinical outcome including postoperative complications and hernia recurrence were obtained via telephone communication. The median follow-up time was 13 months. None of the dogs included in this study had recurrence of the PH. All dogs were adopted, were transferred to animal rescue organizations or were returned to their owners after the surgical procedure. The use of tunica vaginalis communis autograft is a simple, low-cost surgical technique that requires less surgical expertise and training and can be used for perineal herniorrhaphy in dogs, without long-term recurrence.