Surgical Repair of Inguinal Hernia Using Tunica Vaginalis in a Miniature Dachshund

Abstract

A large unilateral inguinal hernia was surgically repaired using a tunica vaginalis flap in an intact male dog. After castration, the tunica vaginalis was extended in a fan shape to cover the hernia ring. Part of the pectineus muscle was also used for reinforcement. The outcome was favorable with no signs of recurrence or complication at eight months postsurgery. This surgical technique does not require synthetic grafts and successfully repairs the defect without causing unnecessary tension, suggesting that it is highly practical for the repair of inguinal hernias that are not normally repairable by conventional techniques.