An Evaluation of Canine Inguinal Hernias Containing the Uterus: Clinical Experience of Four Cases (2017-2022) and Literature Review

Abstract

The aim of this study is to identify and summarize the evidence and risk factors of canine inguinal hernia containing the uterus (Inguinal Hysterocele; IH) etiology by presenting our clinical experience with a literature review. A total of 18 canine IH cases were evaluated in the study. Of these, four have not yet been published anywhere, two have been published before, and 12 were obtained through a literature review. According to the findings, 81.3% of the cases were small/medium races, 83.3% were =5 years old, and 72.7% were multiparous. Totally 83.3% of the cases were chronic and 72.2% of the cases had a hernia on the left side of the body. In inguinal gravid hysterocele (IGH) cases, clinical symptoms started after >30 days of pregnancy. In addition to estrogen, repeated exposure to sex hormones and conception/birth status are also effective in etiology. Finally, the uterus herniates into the inguinal canal and conception/ uterine pathologies occur in the already herniated uterus. Inguinal hysteroceles are causes life-threatening problems. In the clinic, inguinal swellings/masses can be confused with adipose tissue, so careful control and surgical intervention of swellings/masses can eliminate serious problems that may develop.