Jake’s mom noted a swelling right on his rear end and took him to see Dr. Judd at Abbey Pet Hospital.  There he was diagnosed with a perineal hernia – this is a hernia that develops between the muscles that support the anus and can be very dangerous if the bladder slides through.  Unfortunately, this can happen in older male dogs that have not been neutered because the muscles weaken under the influence of testosterone.  Dr. Judd repaired the hernia and neutered Jake to help prevent further weakening.  Jake recovered well and just has to wear his plastic cone for the next couple of weeks.  More to come on Jake’s recovery!