Perineal hernia repair surgery

[ElopingToNZ]

DDog3 (7yr old toy breed) has a perineal hernia so is having surgery on Friday to repair it. The vet is going to do a muscle flap repair to try and stop it happening again.

Has anyone else’s dog had this done? What sort of thing should I expect during recovery? He’s a coated breed (in full show coat 😞) so we’ll have to deal with the shaved coat etc as well. Will he be itchy as it grows back?

Can we use arnica cream around the surgical site? (obviously avoiding the stitches)

Where abouts on the Bristol scale should his poo be afterwards?

Will he ever forgive us for leaving him at the vets?

I will ask the vet these questions as well but they already think he’s my PFB after all the questions I’ve asked!!

Has the vet talked you through the risks of this surgery and the likelihood of success?
Is your dog neutered if not have they discussed this as without neutering recurrence is very high.
The most important thing is to follow the discharge instructions regarding food, medication and exercise.

He’s being neutered at the same time, from what the vet has said this is the best way of reducing the chances of it reoccurring. He hasn’t shown any of the regular symptoms or signs apart from the bulge in the muscle.

I know it’s not guaranteed to stop it happening again but we’ll do whatever we need to do.

I’ve asked everyone I know (both in the breed and other breeds) and I can’t find anyone who has had a dog with the same problem. I’ve spoken to the vets at length but I thought I’d ask on here as well.

Can’t help you with that surgery... but in general, yes the shaved bit will be a bit itchy, but not for that long, like it should be fine by the time any stitches are due to come out or dissolve.

I wouldn’t put arnica on, swelling is usually around the incision site if there is any, so way too close to be messing with.

He’ll not feel any way about you leaving him at the vets, dogs don’t work like that, lol.

poo - given the surgery, I’d ask the vet what he’s to be fed, what to expect tbh.