Dr Fodor Lucian
Lazar Laura¹, Fodor Lucian²,
¹ʼ²ʼDVM, Veterinary clinic, Happy Pet Timisoara, Romania
Key words: inguinal hernia, intestinal occlusion, acute abdomen, enterectomy
Introduction:
An inguinal hernia is a condition in which the abdominal contents protrude through the inguinal canal or inguinal ring, an opening which occurs in the muscle wall in the groin area.
In dogs, inguinal hernias may be acquired (not present at birth but developing later in life) or congenital (present at birth). Factors which predispose a dog to develop an inguinal hernia include trauma, obesity, and pregnancy.
Most inguinal hernias are uncomplicated and cause no symptoms other than a swelling in the groin area. However, if contents from the abdominal cavity (such as the bladder, a loop of intestines or the uterus) pass through the opening and become entrapped there, the situation can become life-threatening.(2)
Inguinal hernia may evolve to scrotal hernia when herniated viscera pass down the inguinal canal.The internal, or deep, inguinal ring remains patent in intact male animals.(1)
Inguinal hernias can usually be diagnosed by finding the swelling caused by the hernia on a physical examination. However, sometimes contrast radiographs (X-rays) or an abdominal ultrasound are needed to determine which abdominal contents, if any, are entrapped.(2)
Case report:
A six year old intact male jack russel terrier,fully vaccinated and dewormed suffering an episod of letarghia, voma and apatia for two days.He followed an symptomathic treatment with painkillers and antispastics from his current veterinarian.
The owner became worried because his symptoms got worse, so he was admitted in our clinic as an emergency after the program hours.
Clinical evaluation
his symtomps included:
-severe peritoneal response
-apatia, lethargya
-medium dehydration
-the left testicle was increased in volume
An abdominal ultrasound was performed, was noticed a decreased intestinal motility, with gas presence.
Diagnosis:
inghino-scrotal hernia/intestinal occlusion
Treatment
The pacient was initially rehydrated, after stabilization of vital functions was put under general anesthesia and intubated.Surgical intervention was performed, starting initially with the opening of the affected testicle who was enlarged, coloured modified and continuing with medial celiotomy(Fig.1).The terminal part of the small intestine was herniated inside of the spermatic cord (Fig.2).The affected part was aproximatly 10 cm long, with modified tissue and with the rupture of the intestine wall. (Fig 2,3,4) .Following this an enterectomy was performed (fig. 5) with termino-terminal enteroanastomosis.( Fig. 6,).The pacient was also castrated.
After surgery
The patient condition improved very fast within hours he drank water and ate food.He was also very responsive and playful from the first day.He followed five days of treatment with Metronidazol (20 mg/kg/2×1/day).
Conclusion:
The inghino-scrotal hernia is a medical emergency and the intervention must be in the shortest time due to life threatening.
Biblioghaphy
- Jubb, Kennedy and Palmer’s, Pathology of domestic animals, E Book, vol. II, pg.80
