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Congenital anomalies of the rectum and anus are rare in dogs. The most frequently reported anomaly is atresia ani. Four types of atresia ani have been reported, including congenital anal stenosis (Type I); imperforate anus alone (Type II) or combined with more cranial termination of the rectum as a blind pouch (Type III); and discontinuity of the proximal rectum with normal anal and terminal rectal development (Type IV). An increased incidence was found in females and in several breeds, including miniature or toy poodles and Boston terriers. Surgical repair is the treatment of choice, but postoperative complications can occur, including fecal incontinence and colonic atony secondary to prolonged preoperative distension. [Note: The VMDB was searched from March 1964 to July 2003 for discharges with a diagnosis of congenital atresia ani. Total number of dogs and their breeds was recorded. Other records from the University of Tennessee Veterinary Teaching Hospital lwere also used to obtain study data.]
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