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perineal hernia
My Boxer was diagnosed with a perineal hernia. I cannot afford surgery. Is there anything I can do to help him? Any special foods? How quickly will it progress without surgery? I love my boy & don't want to lose him, but I don't want him to suffer either. Please help. Any info is appeciated.
Best Answer
After battling with perineal hernia for nearly a year, we have finally found a way to manage it for our 12 year old dog, Danny.
We did not opt for surgery after hearing about the chances of recurrence were as high as 50% and also where we live, the animal clinics are not as properly equipped for such a surgery. So given that surgery is not an option for us, we went ahead with a more conservative approach for our 12 year old Danny.
He is fed homemade food only, consisting of white rice, carrots, white and sweet potatoes, boiled chicken breast, chicken liver, boiled eggs, and plain yoghurt. He also gets 1000mg of fish oil and one calcium tablet a day. Along with his food, he is given 8 ml of lactulose a day (divided into three because he takes three meals a day). Danny weighs 11.5 Kilograms.
The fun part comes when it’s time to take him to take care of business. Just before he is about to go, we give him a massage on the hernia. It is where you will find a bulge next to the tail. What you want to do is massage in such a way that you move the feces that is lodged in the herniated area to closer to the anus. Make sure the pressure applied is gentle. Massage toward the anus. Keeping doing this for about a minute. Then immediately take him to his toilet spot. He will feel the urge to go and do it right away.
We have been successful at managing Danny’s hernia issues for the last 3 months without having to perform manual fecal evacuation. The hernia is still there but we are no longer tearing our hair out experimenting with what food type and how often to feed, how much lactulose to mix in with the food, how soon to take him out for business after a meal. Danny is now a happy “laughing” dog again:)
We did not opt for surgery after hearing about the chances of recurrence were as high as 50% and also where we live, the animal clinics are not as properly equipped for such a surgery. So given that surgery is not an option for us, we went ahead with a more conservative approach for our 12 year old Danny.
He is fed homemade food only, consisting of white rice, carrots, white and sweet potatoes, boiled chicken breast, chicken liver, boiled eggs, and plain yoghurt. He also gets 1000mg of fish oil and one calcium tablet a day. Along with his food, he is given 8 ml of lactulose a day (divided into three because he takes three meals a day). Danny weighs 11.5 Kilograms.
The fun part comes when it’s time to take him to take care of business. Just before he is about to go, we give him a massage on the hernia. It is where you will find a bulge next to the tail. What you want to do is massage in such a way that you move the feces that is lodged in the herniated area to closer to the anus. Make sure the pressure applied is gentle. Massage toward the anus. Keeping doing this for about a minute. Then immediately take him to his toilet spot. He will feel the urge to go and do it right away.
We have been successful at managing Danny’s hernia issues for the last 3 months without having to perform manual fecal evacuation. The hernia is still there but we are no longer tearing our hair out experimenting with what food type and how often to feed, how much lactulose to mix in with the food, how soon to take him out for business after a meal. Danny is now a happy “laughing” dog again:)
I am worried sick, my bichon George is 14 next month and just been diagnosed with a perineal hernia. He struggles to poo. They cleared him out at the vet and told me to put him on canned food and lactolose. The vet said they won't do the op but will refer him elsewhere for it but it's very costly and may not survive the op. I am in tears, he's my baby and the vet says the only other option is to have him put to sleep. He's not poorly in himself, still eating fine and lively enough. Please help I'm distraught!
Hello,
Our Mastiff/Rotty cross developed a perineal hernia which we had surgically repaired (both sides). The repair held for about 2 years then the right side failed. I took him to a different vet thinking I was going to have to put him down as he was struggling very bad. HERE'S THE GREAT NEWS!!!! This vet told me to try another option.
1. Give him only canned dog food. Canned dog food is high in moisture and helps keep his stool soft. Grizz is 80 lbs so he gets 1 1/2 cans twice a day. I use Lean Cuts from Costco.
2. With each meal give him 1 tsp of Meta-mucil. Non flavoured is what Grizz prefers. Mix it into the food.
3. With each meal give him 1 tsp of Lactulose. It is a clear sugar like liquid similar to corn syrup. I get it from Costco. You have to ask the pharmacist for it.
Grizz still gets a dog cookie a couple of times a day.
Grizz can now have bowel movements with absolutely no problems. He's a happy dog again and I no longer have to watch him suffer.
Hope this helps!!
Our Mastiff/Rotty cross developed a perineal hernia which we had surgically repaired (both sides). The repair held for about 2 years then the right side failed. I took him to a different vet thinking I was going to have to put him down as he was struggling very bad. HERE'S THE GREAT NEWS!!!! This vet told me to try another option.
1. Give him only canned dog food. Canned dog food is high in moisture and helps keep his stool soft. Grizz is 80 lbs so he gets 1 1/2 cans twice a day. I use Lean Cuts from Costco.
2. With each meal give him 1 tsp of Meta-mucil. Non flavoured is what Grizz prefers. Mix it into the food.
3. With each meal give him 1 tsp of Lactulose. It is a clear sugar like liquid similar to corn syrup. I get it from Costco. You have to ask the pharmacist for it.
Grizz still gets a dog cookie a couple of times a day.
Grizz can now have bowel movements with absolutely no problems. He's a happy dog again and I no longer have to watch him suffer.
Hope this helps!!
To all, there is hope! I have a 12 yo pekingese, his name is Muggsy. 'He was diagnosed with a perineal hernia 5 yrs ago. He had surgury on one side that failed. I paid 1800 dollars. I couldnt afford another sugery an do love him to death. So Ill tell all of you what has been successful for me, he is happy, healthy and has a bowel movement daily with no problems. Me and him discovered a way that when he arches to poop, I help him simply wrapping my fingers around his anus and squeezing a bit, not too much. It will be up to both of you to determine how much your pet needs. When you do that you will actually be able to feel his movement in him. Its kind of like squeezing a pimple in a way. I dont mean to sound gross but I do what I need to do cause he is my boy. I dont get his waste on my hands cause I only work around the anus. A hernia is a weakness of the muscle in this case. When you help give some support to the muscle you give it added support to help the natural bowel movement. When his poop falls he starts walking again and he is done. It will be important to note if he gets diarrea, it can be life threatening if no one is there. Muggsy got diarrea once while i was working. His anus swelled and I immeiatly took him to the hospital. He needed to stop pushing. They gave him an antibiotic that helped him stop pushing and they prescribed a probiotic to help keep his digestive system healthy so it wont happen again. When i feel his stool may be getting a little loose I give him the probiotic I have on hand and it settles him down. So far so good. No table food ever, its tough love but he is happy and healthy still. Dont over feed either.
My dog has had surgery twice on each side. He was 14 yrs. and today was put down because his bowel muscles was coming out. He was on stool softeners 50 mgs twice a day since first surgery. Surgery helps but it can always come back. It cost $2000 first surgery and $1500 for 2nd. This is major surgery no quick job. Read up on it it does not go away only gets worse without surgery. Even after surgery it can collapse again. If your pet is older it's best for both of you to have him put to sleep. The dog should always be on stool softener the rest of his life. Petey was 45-50 pounds and took ppls stool softener 50 mgs 2 x day. You have to keep the stool soft so they don't strain while going. I loved my Petey with all my heart and I know putting him to sleep this time was for the best. Please take your pet to the vets they will not get better on their own.
My dog has had surgery twice on each side. He was 14 yrs. and today was put down because his bowel muscles was coming out. He was on stool softeners 50 mgs twice a day since first surgery. Surgery helps but it can always come back. It cost $2000 first surgery and $1500 for 2nd. This is major surgery no quick job. Read up on it it does not go away only gets worse without surgery. Even after surgery it can collapse again. If your pet is older it's best for both of you to have him put to sleep. The dog should always be on stool softener the rest of his life. Petey was 45-50 pounds and took ppls stool softener 50 mgs 2 x day. You have to keep the stool soft so they don't strain while going. I loved my Petey with all my heart and I know putting him to sleep this time was for the best. Please take your pet to the vets they will not get better on their own.
Does anyone kno and good surgeons in California for this!?? I has one surgery already and it's now coming back !! :(
1 Comments
Our dog I see 9 year old malteepo diagnose with peri anal hernia, it does not bother him except he tries to poo more than usual. He is eating well, peeing well, still very playful. I am afraid to take him to have surgery ; besides being expensive it may not work and he migh5 have more problems. I don’t know what to do.
Hi I have a beautiful 8yr old boxer boy Monty! He was diagnosed with a Perineal hernia a few years, I asked our vet about surgery but he said they don't like to operate unless vital as it is a very in depth and complicated operation that sometimes does not work and then leads to further ops! I said to him will he be ok if we leave it? and he said looking at him he seems fine no pain when going to the toilet, and is all round healthy but he does have a heart murmur (just slightly) so that does worry me with him going under aesthetic and in general he's a good healthy boy! He does have swelling by his anal but not all the time, if he needs to go toilet it seems to swell up then once he's been it goes back down. I feel like many and don't want to risk operation as this can lead to in competence also, but at the same time I worry about it getting worse. he's my life and if he does worsen then I will do anything in my power to correct it and find the money as he is not insured xxxx
My darling will be 7 yrs old in a week, his name is King. I am very afraid and sadden by his condition, perineal hernia. He had surgery a couple weeks before X-mas a year ago, thankful it has only been one. But the vet never told me before or after costly surgery that this would be life long. I excepted the challenge because the love I have for my animal. I have tried everything from peas and carrots in his food, fiber, laxatives, olive oil, psyllium seed, etc., sometimes the poor thing is so backed up that it takes a trip to the vet where they placed him under anesthesia, to clean him out. Nothing seems to work; a week ago he vomited blood, blood was also in his stool, he would not eat, his breathing was labored due to pain and his eyes were glossy. After an emergency visit, a second opinion, x-rays, and blood work, their was nothing to tell me( a loving owner) but the symptoms were maybe due to consist straining and gas in his stomach. King screeches at my and his own attempts to relieve himself of waste, and it's extremely upsetting to see my animal go through such things. Not to mention it is extremely stressful on my pocket and emotions of us both(King and myself). Just imagine someone going into your rectum almost twice daily. His cries are so loud that even at the vet I get crazy looks and the bold one who asks what's wrong with him? Someone please help!!!!!! Listening to all suggestions, I'm really considering putting my baby to sleep, out of a desperation of the pain, I see him go through. At the though alone I cringe........and get very choked up..........but I don't like seeing him suffer!!!!!! Several sleepless nights later, I am beyond desperate.
awwww im so glad ur doggy is doing better!! And thanks for tht great reciepe! im going to make that for my buddy and keep feeding him that after his surgery.
I understand...my Chi-weenie needs this surgery but it's 4000.00 plus dollars... I am staying with a friend as I had lost my job and apartment and then this... I would love to have him the surgery but he is a bit grumpy (always has been) and I feel to have "major" surgery such as this with an 85% sucess rate and then not be able to care for him properly isn't any better...it breaks my heart..I love him so much and I fight with myself watching him has his hind end swell...after he goes tee tee..it goes right down...much love and luck to you and your baby... i understand putting them first..i've also sold a car a long time ago for my first baby, Honey. Please pray for my lil man Dingo...
Yes, pumpkin is very good for your dogs digestion as it is high in fiber. I have a 14 1/2 year old ****-tzu boy named Binger. Three years ago he was diagnosed with a heart condition and not expected to live 6 months. I started making my own dog food at my vets suggestion and from what I read on the internet. He is also on heart medication daily. His heart condition now is normal. Unfortunately 2 1/2 years ago he developed a perineal hernia. He has had two surgeries. The hernia has unfortunately reoccurred. Unfortunately the vets are unsure of another operation because of his age. The food that I make for all my dogs now consists of ground meat, lots of finely shredded carrots, pumpkin, egg whites, organic rice and I add Metamucil for additional fiber. This diet has helped save my dogs life. I am still considering a third surgery and perhaps just pray for the best. Most days Binger gobbles up his food and still plays like a puppy.
3 Comments
why are you reluctant to type shih-tzu?
why are you afraid to type shih-tzu?
Sorry about the double post
I know this is old, but my 9 year old beagle was diagnosed yesterday with a pernial hernia, making it difficult for him to deficate. He also is being treated for re-accuring anal gland abcess and enlarged prostate. I believe this is all due to the fact that he's not nutured. But my vet said the hernia could be a side effect of the constant anal gland problems.
My vet is the opposite, he doesn't recommend surgury. Instead he thinks the tissue will break and disolve itself, as long as we keep his stool soft.
Now I'm confused. I read on this site that anal glands dont express themselves when poop is too soft. That's why i switched my dog from science diet to wellness core. It has lots of protein, his poop is firmer now and he seems healthier. But now I'm worried it'll make the hernia worse. The vet said, keep him on the food that leaves his poop soft.
What should I do???
I want to just do the surjury and get him nutured at the same time, i dont know why my vet wants to avoid it.
My vet is the opposite, he doesn't recommend surgury. Instead he thinks the tissue will break and disolve itself, as long as we keep his stool soft.
Now I'm confused. I read on this site that anal glands dont express themselves when poop is too soft. That's why i switched my dog from science diet to wellness core. It has lots of protein, his poop is firmer now and he seems healthier. But now I'm worried it'll make the hernia worse. The vet said, keep him on the food that leaves his poop soft.
What should I do???
I want to just do the surjury and get him nutured at the same time, i dont know why my vet wants to avoid it.
Thans for the warning. We don't use it much anymore. My problem now is not the act of pooping, its that she always steps in it :-).
Be careful with the pumpkin. My dog Shadow just had his surgery for his perineal hernia about a month ago and is doing so well. I was told that pumpkin was ok but he started to have a slight problem pooping so I cut it out and he is fine again. Pumpkin at time can make them gassy and can bind them up. I give him sweet potatoes and rice mixed in with his dry dog food and it keeps him soft so he can poop a lot better now.
Canned pumpkin is often recommended as a natural stool softener. My Pumpkin (capital P) got pumpkin (little p) when she started having anal gland impactions that we thought we due to her severe arthritis, since it was only ever one anal gland on the same side. The theory was it would make it easier for her to poop and clear the gland out fully.
lachappy - good luck at the vet. I hope your old boy will be ok!
lachappy - good luck at the vet. I hope your old boy will be ok!
Good luck at the vet tomorrow, let us know how you made out. What was the pumpkin pie filling supposed to do to help?
I have an 11 year old mixed breed. He was diagnosed with perineal hernia in the summer of 2010. The vet suggested we feed him pumpkin pie filling with his food. He said it would work for a while. We did that and it worked very well until now. I will take him to the vet tomorrow to see how he is doing. I don't think he is doing well.
to everybody whose dogs got perineal hernia, my dog peso has perineal hernia, double perineal hernia, he had undergone six surgeries because perineal hernia is a recurring type, muscles may give in anytime.
I would like to be of help to all of you.... even with a soft stool, dogs with perineal hernia operated or not may have difficulty putting his poop out becasue the muscles had been damaged, so I suggest that when he is pooping, help him bring out his poop by gently pressing the muscles that had been repaired. after six surgeries, we never returned to his vet for the same reason, though he still has hernia, if worst comes to worst, our last resort is this silicon mesh transplant..
If your dog has perineal hernia, dont hesitate to bring him to surgery, well at least find a vet who specializes on this. Dogs easily recovers from this ailment just monitor him closely....
please visit me here and ask questions, I symphatize with dog owners whose dogs have the same ailment as peso.... with proper care they will recover faster...
http://hubpages.com/hub/Perineal-Hernia-in-Dogs
I would like to be of help to all of you.... even with a soft stool, dogs with perineal hernia operated or not may have difficulty putting his poop out becasue the muscles had been damaged, so I suggest that when he is pooping, help him bring out his poop by gently pressing the muscles that had been repaired. after six surgeries, we never returned to his vet for the same reason, though he still has hernia, if worst comes to worst, our last resort is this silicon mesh transplant..
If your dog has perineal hernia, dont hesitate to bring him to surgery, well at least find a vet who specializes on this. Dogs easily recovers from this ailment just monitor him closely....
please visit me here and ask questions, I symphatize with dog owners whose dogs have the same ailment as peso.... with proper care they will recover faster...
http://hubpages.com/hub/Perineal-Hernia-in-Dogs
Our 8 year old lab has just been diagnosed with a perineal Hernia. In the spring, he got into some deer bones which sharred in his intestines and had to be removed twice. I don't know if this caused the hernia but the vet did say his prostate was enlarged and he should be castrated. Now 4 months later the hernia has appeared. The vet is recommending surgery and castration. We are worried that due to his age, recovery will be complicated. Any thoughts?
Hi, glad to hear Hooch is doing ok, my daughter has a boxer, I have heard they are prone to get perineal hernias, so told my daughter to keep an eye on hers... II laughed at your dog coming to get his bottom wiped, take care Christine
Hi, Thanks for your comments,I have posted our dogs photo on my profile, Pongo is the black and white dog who had the op.... he continues to do well... we have since insured our other two,just in case...what dogs do you have, regards Christine
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