2961. Hernia mesh or not?

Jun 20, 2016


In Jan 19, 2015, the 9-year-old Maltese had a right perineal hernia repaired at Toa Payoh Vets. 
Neuter of the old dog would be done 1 month later in order to minimise risk of anaesthetic risk with combined hernia and neuter surgery.

The hernia recurred around August 2015 and the dog was neutered then. No hernial repair. I advised a hernia mesh as the hole is too big. 

No pain, no problem peeing and pooping. The dog was active and eating. This was the situation in August 2015 and now Jun 20, 2016.  Just no problem with a normal lifestyle. Except that the right perineal hernia is now 1.5 x the size of a golf ball (Video).

As the owner was worried about the pain for the dog on repair with the hernia mesh, I advised wait and see. I could not guarantee no pain and no infection on using the mesh. No vets can guarantee.  The dog was normal and not in pain. The main problem of skin infections in the back area was resolved with medication now. The anal sacs were expressed and some brown oil squirted out.

What is my recommendation? Since the dog's blood test show he was healthy and the heart was normal, I would advise the hernia mesh repair if he was my dog. The owner has to decide and wait till the hernia was double the size like a tennis ball or the dog had pain or difficulty in peeing and pooping.

VIDEO