Fifty-nine dogs with a total of 69 perineal hernias that were repaired by internal obturator transposition and polypropylene mesh reinforcement were reviewed. Thirty-six dogs were available for follow-up at a mean of 29.4 months postoperatively. Six dogs had complications within the first 60 days of surgery, such as perineal swelling, persistent tenesmus, and incisional infections. Twenty-two dogs had excellent outcomes; seven dogs needed continued medical treatment after surgery; and seven dogs had poor outcomes. Hernias recurred in five dogs. The incisional infection rate was 5.6%; the recurrence rate was 12.5%; and the overall success rate was 80.5% for the 36 dogs with long-term follow-up.

After day 4, blood-to-peritoneal glucose concentration differences were consistent with septic effusion based on previously reported values used to diagnose septic peritonitis in dogs. Blood-to-peritoneal lactate concentration differences varied but after day 4, >70% of dogs had differences consistent with septic peritonitis each day. Postoperative blood-to-peritoneal fluid glucose and lactate difference may not be reliable indicators of septic peritonitis when evaluating abdominal fluid collected with closed suction drains.

Results indicated a relationship between the CFHO and subsequent development of radiographic signs of osteoarthritis. If a CFHO is present in Labrador Retrievers, it might be considered an early indicator of osteoarthritis.

Radiographic evaluation correlates poorly with severity of shoulder joint pathology. The benefits of DR on shoulder OA are consistent with the demonstrated effect of DR in delaying species- and strain-specific diseases of aging.