Surgical Repair of Atresia Ani (imperforate anus) in Newborn Kids and Lambs

Atresia ani is a congenital defect describes absence of a normal anal opening. It is fatal unless surgical correction is carried out to provide anal opening. In female, the rectum may break through vagina forming a rectovaginal fistula permitting defecation via the vulva. Surgical treatment of atresia ani is indicated to save the animal life and to improve body weight gain. Ten kids and eight lambs suffering from atresia ani referred to the veterinary health center at the Jordan University of Science and Technology in the period of 2004-2009 suffering from atresia ani. Clinical examination and ultrasonography confirmed atresia ani without any other intestinal congenital deformities. Affected animals were subjected to surgical anal reconstruction following animal casting, site preparation and analgesia. A circular perineal skin tissue was excised to explore the pelvic cavity associated with blunt dissection of the perineal region exposing the blind culldesac of the rectum. The blind rectum segment was opened and the meconium was evacuated. Full thickness rectum and was secured using simple interrupted stiches. Anal reconstruction proved successfully for all treated kids and lambs. The new stoma provides a permanent patent orifice for normal passage of feces until the age of slaughter. This surgery was legitimate, considering the high incidence of atresia ani, simple, economic, and lifesaving surgical technique. Anal reconstruction in affected animal is an obligatory surgery rather than alternative euthanasia. Anal reconstruction increases body weight gain and decreases the economic loss in the small ruminant herd industry due to atresia ani.