As the animal strains to urinate and defecate around the enlarged prostate, the tissues adjacent to the rectum weaken, allowing fat or abdominal organs to push out around the rectum and form a pouch under the skin. This pouch may enlarge when straining pushes tissue out into it and may be become smaller as tissue moves back into the abdomen. The most common owner complaints of dogs with perineal hernias are chronic constipation, straining to defecate, and a swelling on either side of the rectum. Other signs may include straining to urinate, pain on defecation, fecal incontinence, and altered tail carriage. The hernia is diagnosed based on the history and physical examination.
Fatty tissue is usually present in the hernia.
In all cases, both sides of the pelvic diaphragm should be palpated. While the patient may appear to be unilaterally affected, both sides are often times found to be weakened. If the prostate is enlarged, the cause of this enlargement must be determined. Benign hyperplasia, abscessation, cyst formation, and tumors must all be considered and treated appropriately. Castration is recommended in all cases due to the effects of testosterone on the prostate gland and perianal musculature.