Inguinoscrotal
Hernia
Cause: Inguinoscrotal hernias occur when a portion of the intestine loops into the scrotum, separating the testis from the scrotal wall. This is a rare condition that may occur due to congenital abnormalities or trauma that cause widening or weakening of the inguinal canal in the male.
Symptoms: Dogs with inguinoscrotal hernias present with sudden (acute) swelling of the scrotum. Typically, the condition is painless unless the intestinal loop becomes twisted. Twisting of the herniated intestine compromises blood flow to the tissue and will result in an emergency medical condition presenting with intense pain and symptoms of shock (rapid heartbeat [tachycardia], delayed capillary refill time, pale or muddy mucus membranes, weak pulse, vomiting).
Diagnosis: Palpation of the scrotum reveals a movable, tubular mass that can be confirmed as a portion of the intestine by ultrasound imaging.
Treatment and Prognosis: Dogs presenting with a twisted inguinoscrotal hernia should be treated for shock first. Once the dog is stabilized or for those dogs with simple inguinoscrotal hernias surgery is required to reduce the hernia. The herniated bowel must be examined for any evidence of tissue compromise prior to repositioning it back through the inguinal ring into the abdomen. Bowel tissue that appears compromised must be resected to avoid subsequent problems associated with bowel deterioration and/or infection. Nonabsorbable sutures are typically used to narrow the inguinal ring to prevent recurrence of hernia, while ensuring normal blood flow to the testes. Effects on male fertility will be dependent upon whether or not the hernia compromised testicular blood flow.
Cause: Inguinoscrotal hernias occur when a portion of the intestine loops into the scrotum, separating the testis from the scrotal wall. This is a rare condition that may occur due to congenital abnormalities or trauma that cause widening or weakening of the inguinal canal in the male.
Symptoms: Dogs with inguinoscrotal hernias present with sudden (acute) swelling of the scrotum. Typically, the condition is painless unless the intestinal loop becomes twisted. Twisting of the herniated intestine compromises blood flow to the tissue and will result in an emergency medical condition presenting with intense pain and symptoms of shock (rapid heartbeat [tachycardia], delayed capillary refill time, pale or muddy mucus membranes, weak pulse, vomiting).
Diagnosis: Palpation of the scrotum reveals a movable, tubular mass that can be confirmed as a portion of the intestine by ultrasound imaging.
Treatment and Prognosis: Dogs presenting with a twisted inguinoscrotal hernia should be treated for shock first. Once the dog is stabilized or for those dogs with simple inguinoscrotal hernias surgery is required to reduce the hernia. The herniated bowel must be examined for any evidence of tissue compromise prior to repositioning it back through the inguinal ring into the abdomen. Bowel tissue that appears compromised must be resected to avoid subsequent problems associated with bowel deterioration and/or infection. Nonabsorbable sutures are typically used to narrow the inguinal ring to prevent recurrence of hernia, while ensuring normal blood flow to the testes. Effects on male fertility will be dependent upon whether or not the hernia compromised testicular blood flow.