Traumatic diaphragmatic hernia in dogs and cats

Abstract

In this study information regarding the history, diagnostic evaluation, surgical findings, complications, hospitalization and long term outcomes for dogs and cats that underwent surgical repair of a traumatic diaphragmatic hernia at the University Clinic for Companion Animals (UKG) between July 1, 2004 to May 31, 2012 were evaluated. The outcomes will be compared to existing literature to evaluate differences in complications and survival. A review of 27 cats and 10 dogs is presented. According to different literature motor vehicle trauma is the most common cause of traumatic diaphragmatic hernia in these patients. The most frequent reported clinical sign was dyspnea and for confirming the diagnose an X-ray will be a proper method. The time from admission to surgical correction ranged from less than 1 day to 3 days after admission in cats and in dogs this was between 3 days and 1.5 month after admission. In both cats and dogs the liver seems to be the most herniated organ. Overall there were not many complications during and after surgery, and a chest tube was not always necessary. The preoperative survival rate in this study is 89 per cent,1 cat en 3 dogs died during, or short after hospitalization and 2 cats had a recurrence of the diaphragmatic hernia.