Dogs neutered prior to perineal herniorrhaphy or that develop postoperative fecal incontinence are at an increased risk for perineal hernia recurrence.

Objective: To identify risk factors for recurrence and surgical site infection (SSI) after perineal hernia repair surgery in dogs.

Methods: Medical records of male dogs undergoing perineal herniorrhaphy from 2008 to 2023 at a single institution were retrospectively reviewed. Data pertinent to patient signalment, surgical repair methods, risk factors for SSI, and risk factors for recurrence were collected. Follow-up was obtained via referring veterinarian records and/or owner interviews. Dogs without 12 months of postoperative follow-up were excluded. Statistical analysis was performed with descriptive statistics and compared between groups by use of a combination of univariable analyses.

Results: 84 dogs were included in this study. Recurrence occurred in 13 cases (15%), and SSIs occurred in 6 cases (7%). Dogs neutered prior to surgical correction of a perineal hernia were 4.4 times as likely to have a recurrence of the hernia after surgery compared to dogs neutered at time of surgical correction, and dogs that developed fecal incontinence postoperatively were 3.4 times as likely to have a recurrence. There were no other significant associations between perineal hernia recurrence or the development of SSIs and the associated risk factors evaluated.

Conclusions: No risk factors for the development of SSI could be identified in this group. Dogs neutered prior to perineal herniorrhaphy compared to dogs neutered at time of surgical correction as well as dogs that developed fecal incontinence postoperatively may have both been at increased risk for recurrence after surgical hernia correction.

Clinical relevance: Owners of dogs undergoing perineal herniorrhaphy after a prior castration should be educated on the possible increased risk of hernia recurrence postoperatively, and owners of dogs that develop fecal incontinence postoperatively should be informed of the possible increased risk for hernia recurrence.