imperforate anus-rectovaginal fistula

Question
I have a 15 day old toy poodle/shitzuh mix who has no rectum.  What should I expect?  What surgery is available? What are the risks and what is the cost? What would be the surgeries outcome?
Thanks

Answer
I have never had to deal with this situation.  You need to consult a board-certified veterinary surgeon.  I would estimate that the surgery would cost anywhere between $1000-2000.   Anesthesia of such a small dog is obviously of concern, post-op infection or failure of the surgery could be a possibility.  A specialist will be able to give you statistics, risks and prognosis.  However, it is best that you take the puppy to the specialist for an examination.


American College of Veterinary Surgeons
Alan J. Lipowitz, DVM, Executive Secretary
Ann T. Loew, EdM, Executive Director
11 N. Washington St., Suite 720
Rockville, MD 20850
Phone: 301-610-2000
Fax: 301-610-0371
E-mail: acvs@acvs.org
Web site: http://www.acvs.org