Canine Perineal Hernia Associated with Prostatic Disorders: Is Castration Really Beneficial? A Retrospective Study

Prostatic disorders are commonly observed in older, intact male dogs and have been a primary etiological factor in the development of PH. Limited literature exists regarding correcting PH with castration in dogs suffering from prostatic disorders, including the management and long-term clinical outcomes. This retrospective study aimed to describe the management of prostatic disorders and evaluate outcomes and recurrence following perineal herniorrhaphy with castration. A total of 315 intact male dogs that underwent perineal herniorrhaphy associated with prostatic disorders were classified into two groups: a castrated (PHC; <i>n</i> = 184) and a non-castrated group (PHNC; <i>n</i> = 131). The clinical signs of the PHC group showed significant improvement in the postoperative, short- and long-term follow-up phases (<i>p</i> < 0.001). The enlargement of the prostate gland, heterogeneous parenchyma, and intraparenchymal cystic lesions were observed to be less prevalent in the PHC compared to the other group (<i>p</i> < 0.001). The incidence of recurrent PH showed no significant differences (<i>p</i> = 0.5). In conclusion, castration combined with perineal herniorrhaphy offers significant advantages for improving outcomes and minimizing the recurrence of PH associated with prostatic pathologies following surgery. This is particularly relevant when managing prostatic cysts, including FNA for drainage, cyst or abscess resection, or partial prostatectomy with omentalization during surgery.