The surgical repair of atresia ani in a Dobermann bitch

The surgical repair of atresia ani accompanied by a large rectovaginal fistula was successfully performed in a 4-month old Dobermann bitch. As a young pup, the dog had been able to pass liquid stool through the vagina via a rectovaginal fistula, but the gradual change to a adult diet had resulted in considerable obstipation and tenesmus. The operation was performed experimentally, since the dog would have had to have been euthanased at this stage, and its success has allowed the dog to continue a satisfactory existence.