Perineal Hernia in Dogs

Category: Digestive
Breeds documented: 1
Published sources: 2

Overview

When the muscles supporting the rectum weaken, tissue or organs can move into a space beside the anus. This is called a perineal hernia and may appear as swelling on one side or both sides. It can make passing stool difficult. If the bladder or a loop of bowel becomes trapped, urination or blood supply can be affected, creating an emergency.

Signs to watch for

A bulge beside the anus on one or both sides
Struggling to pass stool
Straining when trying to urinate
Leaking urine
Low energy and reduced appetite
Holding the tail differently

Most cases affect older dogs, typically around 7 to 9 years of age.

Emergency Go to an emergency vet now if your dog cannot pass urine.

Diagnosis and tests

A vet usually identifies this hernia through a rectal examination. This helps check the weakened muscles, the tissues in the swelling and whether one side or both sides are affected. Blood and urine tests look for other illness, while ultrasound or X-rays may help locate the bladder, bowel and other structures.

Breeds with documented risk

1 breed

By breed size

1 Medium

Swedish Elkhound (jämthund)Medium · FCI Group 5 (Spitz and primitive types)

Inheritance

Not yet known
None of the sources we use states how this is inherited in dogs yet.

We've gathered what published sources say about this condition, so you can talk it through with your vet. It isn't veterinary advice: you and your vet know your dog best.