title: Preservation of the fistula for reconstruction of the anal canal and the anus in atresia ani and rectovestibular fistula in 2 dogs.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To report a technique for correction of atresia ani and rectovestibular fistula with fistula preservation, and outcome in 2 dogs.
  
  
  METHODS
  Case report.
  
  
  METHODS
  Two intact female puppies.
  
  
  METHODS
  The fistula was approached by episiotomy. A vertical median perineal incision was made starting dorsal to the anal region and extended to surround the fistula. The rectum and vagina were separated, and the end of the fistula was sutured to the skin.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Early postoperative complications included constipation, fecal incontinence, and perineal soiling, but long-term outcome was good in both dogs.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  With careful dissection, the fistula and internal anal sphincter can be preserved and used in the surgical reconstruction of the anal canal and anus.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Preservation of the fistula may provide an internal sphincter that contributes to a better functional result during correction of atresia ani. A surgical approach that combines episiotomy and perineal incision for separation of the vagina and rectum, and preserves the fistula may decrease the risk of dehiscence.
authors.affiliation: School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, University of the West Indies, Trinidad and Tobago, West Indies. stephan_mahler@hotmail.com
authors.forename: Stephan
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Mahler
authors.forename: Gillian
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Williams
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001006:Anus, Imperforate / Q000601:surgery / Q000662:veterinary*; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000601:surgery*; D004285:Dogs; D004841:Episiotomy / Q000379:methods / Q000662:veterinary; D005242:Fecal Incontinence / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000662:veterinary; D005260:Female; D010502:Perineum / Q000601:surgery*; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000662:veterinary; D012006:Rectovaginal Fistula / Q000601:surgery / Q000662:veterinary*; D012007:Rectum / Q000601:surgery; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014621:Vagina / Q000601:surgery