Truck is a 10-year-old boxer dog who’s quite uncomfortable. For the past few weeks, he has been straining to defecate. Truck will go into his yard and try multiple times to produce stool, and only after several attempts will he have “some” success.
In addition, Truck’s owner has noticed some swelling to the right and below Truck’s tail stub. Dan knows Truck is uncomfortable but does not think he is in pain. He also knows he needs to take Truck to the veterinarian.
Since Truck is a male, we can be fairly sure his straining involves defecation. In female dogs, it can be either urination attempts or defecation attempts because females squat for both. In males, urination is usually accomplished in a standing position. Now that I’ve shared this revelation, let’s try to figure out what is wrong with Truck.
Constipation is a possible cause for Truck’s difficulty. But since he does produce stool, albeit with an abnormal amount of effort, it is less likely we have a simple case of constipation. A radiograph of Truck’s abdomen should support this theory. Before taking the pictures however, we need to take a look at the swelling Dan mentioned on Truck’s backside. That may be the key to this mystery.
I suspect Truck has developed a hernia. The swelling described by Dan as being just below Truck’s tail stub may have abdominal contents owing to a breakdown in the rear portion of the abdominal wall. This is called a perineal hernia. This type of hernia can develop as a result of excessive straining or, in the case of a weakened area, normal amounts of pushing associated with defecation. Trauma can also lead to a perineal hernia.
One reason for the straining during defecation associated with a hernia in this area is a simple matter of mechanics. Since the abdominal wall is no longer closed off, when the muscles are contracted to push out stool from the colon, tissue from inside the abdomen is instead pushed outside through the hernia.
If Truck has developed a perineal hernia, it should be diagnosed as soon as possible. Surgery will be necessary. This condition is predominantly a disease of un-neutered male dogs. So it is strongly advised to neuter a male dog that has developed a perineal hernia.
Jeff Kahler is a veterinarian in Modesto, Calif. Submit questions to Your Pet, in care of LifeStyles, The Modesto Bee, P.O. Box 5256, Modesto CA 95352.
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