Perineal hernia? Anyone have any experience with this?

R
Remyjuke Icon representing the flag French
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Hi everyone!

 

I’m getting in touch to see if anyone has any experience or advice regarding surgery for a perineal hernia in a dog?

 

My 9-year-old German Shepherd, Juke, has been struggling to go to the toilet for a few months now; he actually yelps in pain when he tries to go.

 

The first time, the vet prescribed some steroids which made a huge difference. But as soon as he stops taking them, it starts up all over again.

 

I went back to the vet on Tuesday because he was clearly in pain and yelping while trying to do his business. She said we should avoid surgery at all costs as it’s quite a major procedure. At one point she mentioned steroids again, so I asked if long-term use might be harmful? So she’s prescribed some similar alternatives instead.

 

But despite that, my GSD is still yelping whenever he tries to go.

 

For info, he is already neutered.

On Tuesday, the vet did blood tests for his liver and everything else, and the results were all spot on.

 

Given his age, is the surgery risky? What’s the worst-case scenario? I’ve read a lot of accounts saying that if the first operation fails, they have to go back under the knife for a second time.

 

If anyone has any stories or advice to share, I’d really appreciate it.

 

Thanks in advance!

Translated from French
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    • R
    Remyjuke Icon representing the flag French
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    Does anyone else have any experiences to share, please?

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    R
    Remyjuke Icon representing the flag French
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    What could the consequences of the surgery be? Very serious ones? PS: He doesn't have any heart problems.
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    R
    Remyjuke Icon representing the flag French
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    Unfortunately, they're now advising surgery, but what I don't get is that when I went to the vet with my German Shepherd on Tuesday, she told me that putting him on steroids for life would be less risky than surgery because of his age.

    Then she changed her mind and gave him similar treatments, but they're surely less effective than Dermipred (proper steroids).

    On Thursday morning, he yelped in pain while trying to go to the loo in the house. So I went back to the vet's and spoke to the receptionist, who called the vet on the phone because it was her day off.

     

    She then told me to just keep going with what he's got, but I asked if it really isn't possible to give him proper steroids (Dermipred) since they worked so well in the past. She started saying there's no point because what he's on now is similar.

     

    I don't know if you've heard of these treatments, Fungiconazol and Modulis? They told me that the two of them together are similar to Dermipred.

    For info, on Tuesday the vet told me the treatment lasts 4 months. But in your opinion, does it take time to see the effects or does it work quite quickly?

    Thanks in advance!

    Translated from French
    ProvetoJuniorConseil
    Provetojuniorconseil Icon representing the flag French
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    Hi there, 

     

    Given your dog's age and size, surgery should definitely be avoided if it isn't absolutely necessary. I’m not sure if your dog has any heart issues, but if so, surgery is even less advisable. It’s a major operation and can be very expensive. If your vet feels the perineal hernia isn't severe enough to require surgery, there are other ways to manage it. Corticosteroids are frequently used as anti-inflammatories; however, they can have a negative effect on heart function over the long term.

     

    Surgery can often be avoided when the hernia isn't too large. The main goal is to prevent your dog from straining his pelvic diaphragm when he's pooing. It’s therefore recommended to use a diet that helps stools pass through the colon and rectum more easily (specific dry food), or to use lubricants such as liquid paraffin.

     

    It’s very painful, so you’ll need to make sure it doesn't get any worse, because if it does, surgery will have to be considered.

     

    Best of luck, 

     

    Flavy

    Translated from French

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