Successful surgical management of diaphragmatic hernia in companion animals: A study of nine cases

Abstract

Diaphragmatic hernia (DH) is a common surgical emergency in small animals, most frequently resulting from blunt trauma. This study evaluated the clinical presentation, diagnosis, perioperative management, and surgical outcome of DH in nine clinical cases (six cats and three dogs). Automobile accidents accounted for eight cases, while one kitten had congenital peritoneo-pericardial DH. Diagnosis was confirmed using plain and contrast radiography. Anaesthesia was induced with propofol, maintained with isoflurane, and supported with mechanical ventilation using pressure- or volume-controlled modes. Herniated abdominal organs were reduced through a ventral midline celiotomy, and diaphragmatic defects were repaired using simple interrupted polydioxanone sutures. The liver and gall bladder were the most frequently herniated organs (80%), with right-sided rupture observed in 55.6% of cases. Mild hepatic laceration occurred in one case during adhesion release. The overall survival rate was 78%. Early diagnosis, prompt surgical intervention, and appropriate perioperative anaesthetic and postoperative management contributed to favourable clinical outcomes in cats and dogs with diaphragmatic hernia.