Pet of the Month! Archie!
Archie is a lovely natured 11 year old crossbreed dog, he unfortunately had a condition known as a ‘Perineal Hernia’ that needed to be repaired via surgery.
A perineal hernia is a medical condition where a part of the intestine or other tissue bulges through the muscles of the pelvic floor into the area between the anus and the genitals (the perineum). This can cause discomfort, pain, and difficulty passing stools. Perineal hernias are more common in older, male dogs, but can occur in other animals and humans as well.
We asked Archie’s owners what Archie is like, and how he coped after the surgery.
1. What is Archie’s favourite thing to do?
Archie loves playing with his ball around the garden and the house, he rolls it around himself and runs after it. Especially after he has eaten his food he gets really excited, he genuinely is a big bouncy dog.
2. How did you know Archie had something wrong?
The dog groomer had noticed a lump near his bum, and at first I left it and thought nothing of it as I originally thought it was his anal glands that needed expressing. There was a fishy smell and he would sit uncomfortably and nibble at his bum area. He would do this all the time which is when I thought it was unusual.
3. Did you research his symptoms?
I did use google unfortunately, which didn’t help as it made me more concerned and worried about Archie. Also the dog groomer did advise me to go to the vets and find out what’s going on.
4. When Archie was diagnosed, did you look for further information?
No when he was finally diagnosed I didn’t look further for information, I listened to all the information James told me and he made everything really clear which helped me understand the diagnosis.
James drew diagrams for me in the consult which definitely did help me have a better understanding of what Archie had and how surgery was going to help him.
5. Did Archie’s personality change due to diagnosis?
He wasn’t himself; he was a bit quiet and genuinely looked sad and uncomfortable. Usually, he sits at the kerb side when crossing the road but when he was ill he didn’t, this is when I knew something wasn’t right.
6. What advice would you give to others?
Go to the vets and don’t wait. Research further but sensibly, and get a good vets like James and his team.
James and his team have been so supportive throughout and the amount of advice that got given to me made me feel so much more happier and confident with the procedure Archie had undertaken.
7. What do you enjoy about Archie?
Archie is friendly, cuddly and a big loving giant. He is the softest dog ever, he is so lovely natured and just aims to please everyone. Even though at the vets he’s not too keen!