Why is perineal hernia surgery so risky and painful for older dogs?

Hello. Perineal surgeries can be tricky & should be left to experienced surgeons. There are many structures involved in the surgical repair of a perineal hernia including the pelvic diaphragm, the perineal fascia, and all the nerves & vessels in the proximity of these structures. So yes, arteries & veins do get in the way of the surgery. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

This will depend on the size and extent of the hernia as the surgeon needs to be able to visualize the entire defect in order to close it. So the easiest way to find out would be to ask the veterinarian who diagnosed the hernia.

Yes, I would recommend at the least having Dino neutered. Perianal hernias are almost always due to increased testosterone levels which weakens the muscle of the pelvic floor. Neutering would help prevent further damage to these muscles but would not reverse the problem. I hope this helps. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Best of luck.

Hello and thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. The perineal hernia will not correct by itself, it will not get better after castration either. It may stay as a small hernia and you will never have to do anything about it, but it may get bigger and you may have to get it fixed surgically. It is not an emergency as long as Bodie is going to the toilet without any difficulties. There is not much that you can do to prevent it. You have to avoid constipation, and his diet should be rich in fibre.

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Dino. I am guessing you are referring to a perineal hernia based on your description. You can attempt to manage him with a high fiber diet with extra moisture such as adding canned food or water to the dry food. He will likely need a prescription stool softener as well. In my experience, this will help, but I still find the dog will need surgery. When the dog requires repeated enemas or manual evacuation of the feces by the veterinarian, you will know medical management is not working. I have also seen a rectal prolapse from the dog straining to defecate. Neutering will helps as well with hernia repair. I hope this information helps!

You cannot give him any human pain killers, only pain killers that have been prescribed by your vet. he can be operated, there is probably no other option as his intestines are likely getting blocked due to the hernia, special caution will need to be taken because of his epilepsy, his age and his general health condition.

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Nidjie! If Nidjie is healthy and his blood work looks good then I think it is fine to have another surgery. Inguinal hernias can be a trickier hernia to repair and the surgery could fail. The odds are more in favor of it succeeding. I would ask your Veterinarian, performing the surgery, what their success rates are for this particular hernia. I hope this helps and I wish Nidjie the best!