A perineal hernia is a condition that occurs in both dogs and cats in which there is an abnormal displacement of pelvic and/or abdominal organs (small intestine, rectum, prostate, bladder, or fat) into the region around the anus called the perineum. Although the cause for the disorder is still in question, 93% of all cases are found in certain breeds and dogs that have not been neutered. 

If you have no other reason to neuter your dog, this is an excellent one. It has now been suggested that the higher levels of testosterone in non-neutered males leads to enlarged prostrate and the weakening of muscles that naturally support the internal organs. Surgery is successful 80% of the time and is the only real option.

In the last 10 months I have spent over $5000.00 on my dog who was diagnosis with a perineal hernia in Febuary of 2011. He is on a special prescription diet that must be soaked in hot water with Metamucil added in. He had numerous enamas when the stool impacted in the colon while I raised the funds for his surgery. He had the surgery on January 3 and has had three complications since. Although things seem to be heading in the right direction, there is no certainty that the surgery was successful and no guarantee that the hernia will not return. If the hernia site breaks down or returns it means another operation. At $3500.00 a pop, that's a lot of money to spend when compared to the price of neutering.

If you love your pet, please have them neutered. To learn more about Perineal Hernias the following 2 links are helpful.

http://www.petsurgery.com/perinealhernias.html

http://www.vetsurgerycentral.com/hernia.htm

• neutering
• Male dogs
• hernia