Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Surgical repair of anal atresia and fistula in two female puppies
By Mahler, Stephan & Williams, GillianĀ·Published in Veterinary surgery : VSĀ·2005Ā·School of Veterinary MedicineĀ·View original on PubMed ā
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Original publication title: Preservation of the fistula for reconstruction of the anal canal and the anus in atresia ani and rectovestibular fistula in 2 dogs.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
Two female puppies with a condition called atresia ani (a birth defect where the anus is not properly formed) and rectovestibular fistula (an abnormal connection between the rectum and vagina) underwent surgery to correct these issues. The veterinarians used a technique that preserved the existing fistula, which helped improve the puppies' recovery. After surgery, the puppies experienced some early complications like constipation and fecal incontinence, but overall, they had a good long-term outcome. This surgical method may lead to better function of the anal area after correction.
People also search for: puppy atresia ani surgery Ā· rectovestibular fistula treatment Ā· puppy fecal incontinence after surgery
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To report a technique for correction of atresia ani and rectovestibular fistula with fistula preservation, and outcome in 2 dogs. STUDY DESIGN: Case report. ANIMALS: Two intact female puppies. METHODS: The fistula was approached by episiotomy. A vertical median perineal incision was made starting dorsal to the anal region and extended to surround the fistula. The rectum and vagina were separated, and the end of the fistula was sutured to the skin. RESULTS: Early postoperative complications included constipation, fecal incontinence, and perineal soiling, but long-term outcome was good in both dogs. CONCLUSION: With careful dissection, the fistula and internal anal sphincter can be preserved and used in the surgical reconstruction of the anal canal and anus. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Preservation of the fistula may provide an internal sphincter that contributes to a better functional result during correction of atresia ani. A surgical approach that combines episiotomy and perineal incision for separation of the vagina and rectum, and preserves the fistula may decrease the risk of dehiscence.
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Search related cases āOriginal publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15860106/