Congenital anorectal abnormalities in six dogs

Abstract

Congenital anorectal abnormalities were diagnosed in three male and three female dogs. One dog had anal stenosis, three had a persistent anal membrane, and the other two had an imperforate anus associated with a rectovaginal fistula. Five of the dogs were treated surgically, and four of them which were followed up for periods ranging from one to five years continued to pass faeces normally.

Atresia Ani in Dogs and Cats

“…Occasionally dogs and more rarely cats with type II and more uncommonly with type III atresia ani may be associated with rectovaginal, rectovestibular or urethrorectal fistulas (Holt, 1985;van den Broek et al, 1988;Chandler & MacPhail, 2001;Aronson, 2003;Ellison & Papazoglou, 2011). Animals with type III atresia ani associated with rectovaginal fistula are also reported as having an ectopic anus (Prassinos et al, 2003). However, it is unclear if type IV atresia ani has ever been reported in dogs and cats (Ellison & Papazoglou, 2011 …”

“…Animals with rectovaginal or rectourethral communications often show passage of watery to formed feces through the vagina or urethra; these a n i m a l s m a y b e i n b (Prassinos et al, 2003;Rahal et al, 2007) [ Figure 12]. Multiple congenital anomalies such as umbilical hernias, cleft palates, open fontanels, hypospadias, tail agenesis and deafness in dogs and sacrocaudal dysgenesia and hydrocepahalus in kittens may accompany atresia ani and should not escape a thorough physical or other diagnostic examination (Suess et al, 1992;Aronson, 2003;Prassinos et al, 2003;Rahal et al, 2007;Ellison & Papazoglou, 2011) [ Figure 13]. Rectocutaneous fistulas associated with type II atresia ani have been recently reported in a cat (Tsioli et al, 2009) [ Figure 14].…”

“…Additionally, a coin is placed at the anal dimple to help outline the anus (Greiner et al, 1984). In case of rectovaginal or urethrorectal fistulation positive contrast vaginography or urethrography may help determine fistula and terminal rectum location (Aronson, 2003;Prassinos et al, 2003;Viana &Tobias, 2005;Rahal et al, 2007;Ellison & Papazoglou, 2011).…”

Rectovaginal fistula in a dog with a normal anus: a case report

“…Occasionally, in dogs with a fistula between the urogenital tract and the anorectum it is accompanied by an imperforate anus, so that the dogs show clinical signs of faecal impaction and passage of faeces through the vulva (Rawlings and Capps Jr. 1971;Prassinos et al 2003;Mahler and Williams 2005;Rahal et al 2007). Before weaning, the passage of liquid faeces through the vulva makes the clinical signs of faecal impaction less obvious, so dogs with the abnormality are usually diagnosed after weaning (Wykes and Olson 2003).…”

“…Before weaning, the passage of liquid faeces through the vulva makes the clinical signs of faecal impaction less obvious, so dogs with the abnormality are usually diagnosed after weaning (Wykes and Olson 2003). In addition, the dam frequently cleans the puppies, so it may be difficult to detect the presence of faeces from the vulva (Suess et al 1992;Prassinos et al 2003).…”