Outcome of surgical treatment of perineal hernia in cats: 36 cases (2013-2019)

To report the clinical presentation, complications, and long-term outcomes of cats treated for perineal hernia with modified internal obturator muscle transposition.

The medical records of cats surgically treated for perineal hernia between 2013 and 2019 were reviewed and an owner questionnaire was conducted to determine long-term outcome.

Thirty-six cats were included in the study: 34 had bilateral and two unilateral hernias. Of these 36, 24 (67%) were male neutered with a median age of 10 (range: 1 to 18) years. The complication rate was low, however, one cat experienced a major postoperative complication: rectal prolapse requiring revision surgery 48 hours postsurgery. Short-term outcomes were available for 32 of 36 (89%) cats. Of the 32, 23 were examined 6 weeks postoperatively, and a telephonic consultation was performed for an additional nine of 32. Of the 23 cats examined directly, none had recurrence. Overall 12 of 32 experienced short-term postoperative tenesmus which resolved in nine of 12 (75%). Long-term outcomes were available for 31 of 36 cats (86%), with a median of 18.5 (6 to 89) months follow-up. A good outcome was achieved in 23 of 31 (74%) whereas three of 31 (10%) had fair outcomes and five of 31 (16%) had a poor outcome. Of the five cats with a poor outcome, two required subtotal colectomy to manage clinical signs related to megacolon, two were euthanised following a return of clinical signs, and one developed unilateral recurrence.

Perineal hernia should be considered in cats presenting with tenesmus or recurrent obstipation. Surgical treatment of perineal hernias in cats can result in good owner-assessed long-term outcome.