The Maltese has two perineal hernias
Channel: Dr David Sing
Date: 2014-05-21

I advised bilateral repair of the perineal hernias and neuter in this Maltese. Post-op complications of bleeding and stitch breakdown were seen in this case but the dog has recovered after 3 weeks of treatment of the open wound.  

Stitch breakdown is a complication of surgery in some cases of large perineal hernias. I believe that this dog extended his left hind leg to scratch his intensely inflamed ear, resulting in tension of the massive left perineal hernia stitches, leading to stitch breakdown and bleeding.