Megacolon Concurrent with Perineal Hernia in a Male Rough Collie

Abstract

Perineal hernia occurs frequently in aged collies as a result of weakening of the pelvic diaphragmatic muscle or its total failure, thereby allowing displacement of abdominal contents into the perineum. Surgical management include subtotal colectomy, colotomy, internal obturator muscle transposition and perineal herniorrhaphy. This report highlights a case of perineal hernia associated with megacolon as well as its successful management in a dog. A seven years old, male Rough Collie was presented with a complaint of right perineal swelling that has lasted for a week as well as inappetance and absence of defecation. Physical examination was unremarkable except for 3% dehydration and a firm, large perineal non-reducible swelling. Plain abdominal radiography revealed perineal hernia with megacolon. Serum chemistry showed azotaemia. Emergency surgical intervention involving colotomy, perineal herniorrhaphy with incisional colopexy were conducted. Post-operative care included ceftriaxone injection at 50 mg/kg intramuscularly, intravenous fluid infusion, one week fasting, daily wound dressing, Nutriplus^® gel supplementation and administration of recovery diet post-fasting. Thus, surgical management using traditional perineal herniorrhaphy, colotomy with colopexy was effective in correcting the perineal hernia with megacolon.

Keywords: Colopexy; Colostomy; Megacolon; Perineal hernia; Perineal herniorrhaphy