Perineal Bladder Prolapse in Dogs: A Review of Diagnostic and Treatment Methods

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
Moosa Javdani
Amin Mohamadi 1
Mohammad Salimi Beni 2
1 Mehregan Veterinary Clinic, Shahrekord- Iran.
2 Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Shahrekord University, Shahrekord- Iran.
10.22034/ijvcs.2026.14886.1088
Abstract
Perineal bladder prolapse is a life-threatening complication in dogs with perineal hernia, primarily affecting small-breed, and intact male dogs. Delayed diagnosis and treatment can lead to urinary obstruction and systemic complications. This report describes a 9-year-old, 6.20 kg intact male Terrier dog with bilateral painful perineal swelling and urinary retention. Diagnostic evaluations included plain and contrast radiography (cystography), hematological and biochemical analyses. Elevated creatinine (3.5 mg/dL), blood urea nitrogen (47 mg/dL), and leukocytosis (21,000 cells/μL) were observed, along with tachycardia, tachypnea, and hyperthermia. Radiography confirmed a large perineal hernia with bladder retroflexion. The patient underwent emergency surgical intervention, including bladder reduction and concurrent cystopexy to prevent recurrence. Key diagnostic considerations for this condition include recognition of clinical signs (e.g., perineal mass), thorough physical examination, and diagnostic imaging. Immediate bladder decompression under sedation or anesthesia achieved via urinary catheterization and fluid therapy to correct electrolyte imbalances is crucial. Anesthetic challenges in these patients include hemodynamic instability due to hyperkalemia, hypotension induced by anesthetic agents, hypothermia, pain management, and aspiration pneumonia risk. Surgical interventions involve cystopexy, hernia repair, and neutering to minimize recurrence risk. Postoperative considerations requires monitoring urinary function, appropriate antibiotic therapy, pain management (opioid administration), fluid therapy, and restricted activity during recovery.
Keywords
perineal hernia
bladder prolapse
cystopexy
dog
Subjects
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Iranian Journal of Veterinary Clinical Sciences
Volume 19, Issue 2 - Serial Number 33
Fall and Winter 2025/2026
March 2026
Pages 85-93