Perineal hernia in dogs.

Thirty-five male dogs with perineal hernia were seen at Sydney University Veterinary Hospital and Clinic over a five-year period from 1975 to 1979. The Corgi breed was most commonly affected, but Kelpies and Boxers were also over-presented when compared to the general clinic population. The mean age of affected dogs was 9.4 years and the mean body weight 16 kg. There were 11 bilateral and 24 unilateral herniae. Thirty-two dogs underwent herniorrhaphy. A recurrence rate of 15.4% was found in 26 dogs followed up for more than six months, this rate comparing favourably with a number of other reported series. The major post-operative complication was wound infection or breakdown, seen in 28.6% of dogs.