**7. Treatment**

188 A Bird's-Eye View of Veterinary Medicine

Fig. 17. Abdominal radiograph of a boxer puppy depicting colonic gas distention associated with type II atresia ani (Courtesy Dr. M.N. Patsikas, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki).

Fig. 18. Abdominal radiograph of a female rottweiler cross puppy with type III atresia ani and rectovaginal fistula showing fecal material in the colon, terminal rectum and over the

vagina level. (Courtesy Dr. M.N. Patsikas, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki).

Surgical correction is considered the only treatment for atresia ani. Anatomical typing of atresia ani should be performed to help determining the type of surgical correction for each case (Ellison & Papazoglou, 2011). However, non surgical management may also be applied for type I cases (Tomsa et al., 2011; Ellison & Papazoglou, 2011). Numerous case reports have appeared in the literature reporting surgical treatment of atresia ani in dogs and cats. Currently there are only 3 small and 1 larger case series reporting surgical treatment in dogs (Prassinos et al., 2003; Vianna & Tobias, 2005; Rahal et al., 2007) and 2 small case series in cats describing surgical or medical management of atresia ani (Suess et al., 1992; Tomsa et al., 2011). Anoplasty is the most common procedure performed. The aim of surgery is to restore anorectal continuity, to preserve the external anal sphincter, to preserve or restore colonic function and to eliminate any rectovaginal or urethrorectal communication. Surgical treatment should be prompt and performed before colonic atony or megacolon associated with chronic and prolonged distention or possible urinary tract infection ensues (Prassinos et al., 2003). Animals with atresia ani type II and III that are unable to defecate if not treated surgically will die because of bowel stasis. End-on temporary colostomy may be considered as an option for the treatment of cats with rectocutaneous fistulas associated with atresia ani (Tsioli et al., 2009). The perineal approach is used for all surgical corrections of atresia types I-III. Prophylactic antibiotics (cefoxitin 20 mg/kg) are administered intravenously at anesthetic induction.
