Rectal Diverticulectomy for Obstipation Induced Rectal Diverticulum in a Cocker Spaniel Intact Male Dog

Abstract

Rectal diverticulum is a blind out-pouching of rectum through the overlying perineal muscle layers, occurring mostly in middle-aged intact male dogs (Saulnier-troff et al., 2008). This condition may occur alone, but mostly it occurs concurrently or as sequel to perineal hernia. The exact cause remains unclear, but it may develop from localized areas of weakness in the rectal wall, which may be either congenital or acquired (Mehrjerdi et al., 2013). If left untreated or inadvertently managed, rectal diverticulum can lead to fecal retention and impaction within the diverticular sac, resulting in impaired defecation and continuous straining, which may subsequently increase the risk of perineal herniation (Lalzawmliana et al., 2019). Various surgical approaches have been described for this condition, such as diverticulectomy, plication, and segmental resection and anastomosis through rectal pull through technique (Maji and Guha, 2012). Diverticulectomy via a lateral perineal approach has demonstrated successful clinical results among those techniques (Lalzawmliana et al., 2019). The present report describes the surgical management of rectal diverticulum via diverticulectomy in a Cocker Spaniel dog.