A hernia is a bulge in the abdominal wall through which the peritoneum and intestines can protrude. Perianal hernia, also known as perineal hernia, is a condition that occurs in 90% of older, unneutered male dogs, in which fat and abdominal organs protrude under the skin in the perineal area (the area between the anus and the external genitalia).
The exact causes of perianal hernias are still unknown. However, it is likely that they are hormone-related, as they almost exclusively affect unneutered male dogs. From around the age of five, the muscles in the perineal area weaken, which ultimately causes loops of intestine, fatty tissue, or an enlarged prostate to protrude under the skin.
As a result of the lack of muscular stability in the pelvis, lateral pouches form in the rectum, in which feces accumulate, gradually thickening and becoming almost impossible for the dog to pass. The pressure in the pelvis increases, leading to increased straining, which further exacerbates the condition.
The first signs noticeable to the owner are usually difficulty passing stool and frequent straining. Upon closer inspection, the owner may also notice a bulge on one or both sides of the anus.
In cases of very large hernias, the bladder may also bend backward and protrude into the hernia sac. This situation is an absolute emergency, as the dog is no longer able to urinate and is at risk of internal poisoning. If you notice that your dog has problems passing urine as well as defecating, please take them to a veterinarian immediately.
Even if your dog suddenly takes a turn for the worse, pants more, seems weak, and has a tense, painful belly, you should definitely take them to a vet immediately. In such a case, it is possible that loops of intestine have become trapped in the hernia. Only timely surgical intervention can prevent parts of the intestine from dying due to lack of blood supply.
The condition is relatively easy for a veterinarian to diagnose based on visible and palpable findings in conjunction with a detailed preliminary report. An additional ultrasound examination is often performed to check for damage to any organs that have prolapsed. Depending on the general condition of the animal, blood and urine tests may also be useful.
In most cases, a perianal hernia must be treated surgically, as even various conservative measures such as a change in diet, enemas, and removal of accumulated feces cannot repair the hernia and the symptoms will return. Only very old dogs with only mild symptoms are occasionally treated in this way if surgery is no longer an option.
The veterinarian has various surgical methods at their disposal and, depending on the severity of the hernia, the operation is performed in one or two sessions. The weakened muscles are partially sutured back together and covered with parts of other muscles to achieve greater stability. In the case of very large or complicated hernias, it may be necessary to reposition the prolapsed organs and attach them to the abdominal wall in a first operation before closing the actual hernia. This prevents the organs from prolapsing again.
In unneutered male dogs, castration should always be performed at the same time to prevent the hernia from recurring. Castration will also cause any enlarged prostate to shrink, which will reduce the need to strain when defecating.
Appropriate aftercare is very important to ensure the success of the operation. In the initial period after the operation, the operated dog will be given painkillers and food supplements to keep the stool soft so that it does not have to strain too much. Furthermore, the dog should be kept on a leash for two to three weeks to prevent uncontrolled movements from hindering the healing process.
If the disease is detected and treated in time, the prognosis is favorable. However, relapses are possible even after surgery. Thanks to modern surgical procedures and the two-stage surgical technique described above, which involves simultaneous castration, the risk of relapse can now be significantly reduced. In general, the larger the hernia and the longer it has been present, the worse the prognosis and the more frequent the relapses.
Complications such as wound healing disorders or fecal incontinence can also worsen the prognosis.
Since mainly unneutered male dogs are affected, neutering is an effective measure to prevent perianal hernias. However, whether a healthy male dog should be neutered should always be considered on a case-by-case basis and discussed with your veterinarian.
This disease, also known as endothelial dystrophy, is a change in the cornea of the eye and is similar to Fuchs' dystrophy in humans. This disease causes damage to the endothelial cells that form the innermost layer of the cornea.
The word distichiasis comes from Greek and means "two rows." In this condition, an extra row of eyelash-like hairs (distichia) grows out of the sebaceous gland openings at the edge of the eyelid. Since these misplaced, hard hairs grow toward the eyeball, they cause permanent irritation and damage to the cornea. Another form of distichiasis is ectopic cilia. These are scattered hair follicles that grow out of the inside of the eyelid as individual bristly hairs or as a whole tuft of hair, standing perpendicular to the cornea and causing permanent irritation to the eye. Ectopic cilia are most commonly found on the upper eyelid in dogs and very rarely in cats.
For people who have always been around dogs, talking to their four-legged friends is probably easy and almost second nature. But at the beginning of the relationship, it is important to immerse yourself in the dog's world and meet it where it is coming from. So you have to learn its language—not the other way around.
A doping scandal in dressage riding brought this condition to the attention of riders and owners a few years ago. But what exactly is this condition? More and more horses, especially sport horses, are now affected by this neuromuscular disease, the causes of which are still largely unknown. It is considered incurable and can severely impair a horse's performance. Large, heavy horses between the ages of 4 and 7 are particularly at risk, as are horses with naturally high muscle tone. Male horses are more commonly affected than mares.
This infectious disease caused by the coronavirus affects only cats and occurs worldwide. The disease remains one of the most common causes of death in cats. The name is derived from the most common symptom of this disease, peritonitis (inflammation of the abdominal lining).
The West Nile virus is transmitted by mosquitoes between birds, but also to humans, horses, and other mammals. For a long time, it only occurred on the African continent. However, since 1999, the West Nile virus has also spread to the US. In 2018, it was detected for the first time in birds and two horses in Germany (Saxony and Saxony-Anhalt). Since then, infections have occurred in the summer and fall months. Berlin, Brandenburg, Saxony-Anhalt, and Saxony are particularly affected. However, more and more cases are now also occurring in Thuringia, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, Hamburg, Schleswig-Holstein, Lower Saxony, Rhineland-Palatinate, and Bavaria. West Nile infection is a notifiable animal disease.
Claw disorders are relatively rare in dogs. However, injuries, excessive licking or poor grooming can cause the claw bed to become inflamed due to the penetration of bacteria or fungi. Symmetrical lupoid onychodystrophy (SLO) is the most common form of claw bed inflammation in dogs. This rare but extremely painful disease of the claw bed mainly affects large dogs (Great Danes, Rhodesian Ridgebacks, German Shepherds) and can be triggered by various factors.
This brain disorder, which has not yet been fully researched in dogs, causes seizures that can be very frightening for dog owners. Epilepsy can be treated very effectively with medication, but its cause is still not fully understood.
The prostate gland is the most important sex gland in male dogs. It is located behind the bladder and surrounds the beginning of the urethra. The secretion produced by the prostate gland is a component of semen and is ejaculated together with the sperm produced in the testicles. Prostate disorders are usually diagnosed in older, unneutered male dogs. These disorders can cause various changes in the gland.
Behind this complicated name lies an aggressive form of cancer in dogs, also known as malignant histiocytosis, which mainly affects Bernese Mountain Dogs, Retrievers and Rottweilers and is one of the most common causes of death in these breeds as a hereditary disease. It primarily affects male dogs between the ages of two and eight. The disease is relatively rare in other dog breeds.
The soft palate is a muscle extension approximately 10 cm long that separates the nasal cavity from the throat. As the name suggests, dorsal displacement of the soft palate (DDSP) describes a change in position in which the soft palate temporarily or permanently covers the epiglottis, leading to coughing, difficulty swallowing, and breathing problems.
There are all kinds of dangers lurking for cats, not only outside but also in the home. Young, playful, and curious kittens are particularly at risk. Therefore, take the necessary safety precautions before a cat moves in with you. With the right knowledge, you will be on the safe side.
