Diaphragmatic Hernia in Animals

Diaphragmatic Hernia

• Definition: A tear in the diaphragm, allowing abdominal organs to move into the chest
• Synonyms: Pleuroperitoneal hernia

Epidemiology

• Species affected: Dogs and cats
• Congenital type: Rare, often fatal at birth
• Traumatic type: Common in male dogs (1-3 years old)

Risk Factors

• Trauma, especially being hit by a car (HBC)

Associated Disorders

• Organ strangulation and obstruction
• Liver herniation leading to jaundice and fluid buildup
• Pleural effusion (hemothorax and pneumothorax)
• Trauma-related issues: musculoskeletal, pulmonary, cardiac, hematologic, or neurologic

Clinical Presentation

• Types:
  • Congenital: Often fatal at birth due to severe respiratory issues
  • Traumatic: Can be acute or chronic
• History and Symptoms:
  • Acute: Recent trauma, shock, respiratory distress
  • Chronic: Often found incidentally on x-rays, may show signs like:
    • Difficulty breathing
    • Exercise intolerance
    • Eating issues (anorexia, vomiting, dysphagia)
    • Weight loss
    • Abdominal issues (distention, constipation, diarrhea)
    • Cough, depression, difficulty lying down
• Physical Exam Findings:
  • Signs of shock
  • Difficulty breathing (inspiratory or paradoxical)
  • Pale or blue-tinged gums
  • Irregular heartbeats
  • Muffled heart and lung sounds
  • Gut sounds in the chest
  • Fluid or gas in the chest (detected by percussion)
  • Empty-feeling abdomen
  • Abdominal swelling with fluid wave if ascites present