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- New Study: Scrotal Hernias in Dogs Can Occur Post-Castration — Key Insights for Surgeons
New Study: Scrotal Hernias in Dogs Can Occur Post-Castration — Key Insights for Surgeons
J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2025
Obi Veterinary Education
October 13, 2025
Emily M. Austin, Lauryn Cooper, Janet A. Grimes, Elizabeth Kawecki-Wright, Insung Chun, Ameet Singh, James Crowley, Andrew Marchevsky, Hayley M. Gallaher, Vanna M. Dickerson
Background
Scrotal hernias (SHs) are an uncommon form of indirect inguinal hernia in male dogs, involving abdominal organs protruding into the scrotum through the vaginal process. These hernias can lead to organ dysfunction due to tissue entrapment and are often confirmed at surgery, though ultrasonography can assist diagnosis. The study aimed to characterize the clinical presentation, surgical management, and outcomes of canine SHs, as no large-scale studies had been published in the previous two decades.
Methods
A retrospective, multi-institutional case series reviewed medical records from six veterinary hospitals (2004–2024) using the search term “scrotal hernia.” Eligible cases included male dogs of any breed and age with confirmed or strongly suspected SHs. Data collected encompassed signalment, presentation, imaging, surgical details, and outcomes. Descriptive statistics were calculated using Microsoft Excel and GraphPad Prism.
Results
Twenty-one dogs met inclusion criteria (median age 27 months, median weight 7.4 kg). Fifteen were intact males, and six were previously castrated. Scrotal swelling was present in 20 dogs; 10 exhibited related clinical signs, most often vomiting or anorexia. Imaging revealed herniation of omentum (8 dogs), small intestine (7), or paraprostatic cyst (1). All SHs were unilateral. Eighteen dogs underwent surgery, with a caudal abdominal approach most common. Three dogs required intestinal resection and anastomosis due to nonviable bowel; all had presented with vomiting. Postoperative complications occurred in four dogs (mostly minor), and no hernia recurrences were reported during a median follow-up of 188 days.
Limitations
Being retrospective, the study faced potential underreporting due to inconsistent record-keeping and use of a single search term (“scrotal hernia”) rather than including “inguinal hernia.” Variability in surgical technique descriptions and missing follow-up for some cases also limited standardization. Older paper-based records may have been incomplete.
Conclusions
Scrotal hernias in dogs are typically unilateral and occur most often in young males, but importantly, they may also develop in castrated dogs. Vomiting and imaging findings indicating intestinal involvement can identify cases requiring emergency surgery. Surgical repair yields excellent outcomes with minimal complications and no recurrences. Timely herniorrhaphy is recommended to prevent intestinal strangulation, and ultrasound serves as a valuable diagnostic tool.
Illustration demonstrating the location of direct inguinal herniation (1) compared to indirect inguinal/scrotal hernia (SH; 2) in a dog. Cross sections are displayed of each type of hernia. A—Direct inguinal hernia in a female. B—Direct inguinal hernia in a male. C—Scrotal hernia. Twenty-one dogs diagnosed with SH were identified in a retrospective search of medical records between the years 2004 and 2024. Case data on each dog were collected to describe the clinical presentation, surgical management, and outcomes of SHs. Image credit: Dr. Laura Donohue.
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