perineal hernia

[coolkel]

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.

[coolkel]

Thanks, Christine, for the update on Pongo.  I have thought a lot about him since your last post.  I hope he continues to do well.  My boxer, Hooch, is doing well.  He is not having any trouble with going to the bathroom.  The only thing is that with the hernia protruding, he has to be wiped when he finishes.  It is not a problem & he understands it needs to be done.  He comes straight to you when he comes in & turns his rear to you.  He is such a smart boy.
Good luck and take care.
Kelley

[pennypongo]

Hi, Just an update on Pongos perineal operation,He had his op on the 14 th June... he had a hernia on both sides. The op went very well, they also castrated him too, we got him back next day complete with a collar so he couln't bite his stitches, he had painkillers and antibiotics, he has done really well,had his stitches out last week,and vet pleased with him...he struggles a bit to empty his bowel, which I hope gets better...we hope he won't have any problems later on... we have since insured our other two Cavaliers, just in case, hope your dogis ok, regards Christine

[coolkel]

Hi Christine
Best of luck to you on the surgery. Please keep me updated on how it goes.
I have tried & tried to talk Hooch's owner, my girlfriend, into the surgery even if it means borrowing money or whatever, but she doesn't want it.  She has had bad experience with surgeries in the past & therefore won't even consider it.
Take care, Kelley

[pennypongo]

Hi, I have just been reading your comments about your dog having a perineal hernia, my Cavalier king charles aged 9 has one, my own vet cant do the operation as its tricky op, he referred me to a specialist hospital, and he goes on Monday for an op, which is going to cost us a lot of money as he isnt insured.....I have read up on the web site about what his operation entails,and it sounds quite tricky, we have just sold our little sporty car to pay for his op,but he is worth it, I recommend insurance to anyone with a pet, wish we had it, hope your dog is ok.
regards Christine

[skydnsr]

Come back anytime.  Thanks for letting me know about the complexity of the operation.  I had no idea that it was that involved.  

In addition to pain pills, there is a topical powder that you can buy from the vet, called Neo-Predef with Tetracaine.  It comes in a puffer bottle that you squeeze over a wound, and it sprays out a little puff of powder.  The tetracaine is a topical aneasthetic, and it helps keep the dog from licking.  My vet sold it to me to use on hot spots, but maybe you could use this, or something similar, for surgical wounds.  It is a good thing to have on hand, in any case.

[coolkel]

Actually, the vet told us that it is indeed an indepth operation that "only a specialist" would attempt.  This is due in part to his size.  He weighs 103.  That was not the only reason, though.  She said that with this type of hernia, they have to go in and totally reconstruct the area in and around colon, intestines, etc.  So it is very detailed.  
As far as him bothering an incision, I would pretty much bet that he would.  I can't even get a sore that he doesn't want to "work on"  He considers himself quite the doctor!  I have a sore on my leg right now that I have to keep covered or out of his reach to get him to leave it alone.
Thanks so much for the "conversation".  Whatever we route we take, it's nice to have an understanding outsider, if you will, I can talk to.
Thanks again.
Kelley