Peritoneal pericardial diaphragmatic hernia with an incidental finding of suspected right ventricular wall aneurysms in a dog.

A 3-year-old neutered male standard poodle mix dog was presented because of acute onset vomiting, increased respiratory effort, hyporexia, and progressive lethargy. On physical examination, intermittent tachycardia, tachypnea with mildly increased respiratory effort, and bilateral ventral muffled lung sounds were noted. Thoracic and abdominal computed tomography with contrast revealed a peritoneal pericardial diaphragmatic hernia (PPDH) with herniation of the liver and gallbladder, moderate abdominal lymphadenopathy, and mild pleural effusion. The dog underwent an emergency laparotomy and median sternotomy. Right ventral PPDH with a herniated, necrosed, and nonviable quadrate liver lobe and gallbladder; 2 suspected right ventricular (RV) aneurysms; and generalized mesenteric and portal lymphadenopathy were present. The affected liver lobe and gallbladder were removed; suspected aneurysms were managed by placing 2 purse-string sutures around the lesions and anchoring a pericardial flap over the aneurysms. The dog developed a ventricular arrhythmia postoperatively. Due to the arrhythmia and intraoperative findings of suspected aneurysms, echocardiography was performed and revealed focal RV systolic dysfunction, left ventricular systolic dysfunction, mild left ventricular dilation, and a hyperechoic area on the RV free wall, consistent with the purse string. An angiotensin-convertingenzyme (ACE) inhibitor was prescribed for left ventricular dilation. The dog was discharged 4 d postoperatively and was doing well 12 mo postoperatively. To our knowledge, this is the first report of a PPDH and suspected concurrent RV wall aneurysm in a dog successfully treated with a purse string and pericardial flap. Key clinical message: An RV aneurysm is extremely rare yet can be life-threatening in small animals. Early detection and treatment may minimize the risk of aneurysm rupture and sudden death.

Hernie diaphragmatique péritonéale péricardique avec découverte fortuite d'anévrismes suspects de la paroi ventriculaire droite chez un chienUn chien croisé caniche standard mâle castré âgé de 3 ans a été présenté en raison de vomissements aigus, d'efforts respiratoires accrus, d'hyporexie et de léthargie progressive. À l'examen physique, une tachycardie intermittente, une tachypnée avec effort respiratoire légèrement accru et des bruits pulmonaires étouffés ventraux bilatéraux ont été notés. Une tomodensitométrie thoracique et abdominale avec contraste a révélé une hernie diaphragmatique péritonéale péricardique (HDPP) avec hernie du foie et de la vésicule biliaire, une lymphadénopathie abdominale modérée et un épanchement pleural léger. Le chien a subi une laparotomie d'urgence et une sternotomie médiane. Une HDPP ventrale droite avec un lobe hépatique carré et une vésicule biliaire herniés, nécrosés et non viables; 2 anévrismes du ventricule droit (VD) suspectés; et une adénopathie mésentérique et portale généralisée étaient présents. Le lobe hépatique et la vésicule biliaire affectés ont été retirés; les anévrismes suspectés ont été gérés en plaçant 2 sutures en bourse autour des lésions et en ancrant un lambeau péricardique sur les anévrismes. Le chien a développé une arythmie ventriculaire postopératoire. En raison de l'arythmie et des résultats peropératoires d'anévrismes suspectés, une échocardiographie a été réalisée et a révélé un dysfonctionnement systolique focal du VD, un dysfonctionnement systolique du ventricule gauche, une légère dilatation du ventricule gauche et une zone hyperéchogène sur la paroi libre du VD, compatible avec la bourse. Un inhibiteur de l'enzyme de conversion de l'angiotensine (ECA) a été prescrit pour la dilatation du ventricule gauche. Le chien a obtenu son congé 4 jours après l'opération et se portait bien 12 mois après l'opération. À notre connaissance, il s'agit du premier rapport d'une HDPP et d'un anévrisme concomitant suspecté de la paroi du VD chez un chien traité avec succès par une suture en bourse et un lambeau péricardique.Message clinique clé :Un anévrisme du ventricule droit est extrêmement rare, mais peut mettre la vie en danger chez les petits animaux. Une détection et un traitement précoces peuvent minimiser le risque de rupture d'anévrisme et de mort subite.(Traduit par Dr Serge Messier).

Eleven-year retrospective analysis of acquired diaphragmatic hernia in 49 dogs and 48 cats.

Data on dogs and cats that underwent surgery for a traumatic diaphragmatic hernia were retrospectively collected and analyzed, with an objective to identify factors that influenced the survival rate. Forty-nine dogs and 48 cats were included. The predominant respiratory clinical sign was dyspnea, and the interval from trauma to development of clinical signs did not influence patient survival. Concurrent orthopedic and/or soft tissue injuries were identified in 48.45% of the animals. Intraoperative complications occurred in 14 dogs and 5 cats, and postoperative complications in 7 dogs and 6 cats. Intraoperative death occurred in 6.2% and postoperative death in 8.3% from 1 h to 10 d after surgery. Animals that received surgical treatment within 48 h after diagnosis had a lower risk of death. Conversely, concurrent injuries and intraoperative and postoperative complications were the main factors associated with a higher risk of death.

Analyse rétrospective sur onze ans des hernies diaphragmatiques acquises chez 49 chiens et 48 chats. Les données sur les chiens et les chats ayant subi une intervention chirurgicale pour une hernie diaphragmatique traumatique ont été recueillies et analysées rétrospectivement, dans le but d'identifier les facteurs qui ont influencé le taux de survie. Quarante-neuf chiens et 48 chats ont été inclus. Le signe clinique respiratoire prédominant était la dyspnée, et l'intervalle entre le traumatisme et le développement des signes cliniques n'a pas influencé la survie des patients. Des lésions orthopédiques et/ou des tissus mous concomitantes ont été identifiées chez 48,45 % des animaux. Des complications peropératoires sont survenues chez 14 chiens et cinq chats, et des complications postopératoires chez sept chiens et six chats. Le décès peropératoire est survenu chez 6,2 % et le décès postopératoire chez 8,3 % de 1 h à 10 j après la chirurgie. Les animaux qui ont reçu un traitement chirurgical dans les 48 h après le diagnostic avaient un risque de décès plus faible. À l'inverse, les blessures concomitantes et les complications peropératoires et postopératoires étaient les principaux facteurs associés à un risque de décès plus élevé.(Traduit par Dr Serge Messier).

Mediastinal Serous Cavity Mesothelioma in Two Dogs.

The mediastinal serous cavity (MSC)-well documented but seldom recognized in the caudal mediastinum-is embryologically derived from the omental bursa. Mesothelioma arising from the MSC in two dogs is described. Both dogs presented with acute life-threatening hemorrhagic pleural effusion. Contrast computed tomography revealed a large solitary spherical-to-cylindrical tumor in the caudal mediastinum with variably thick, contrast-enhancing walls with lobular to frond-like proliferations that arose circumferentially and projected internally into a single, variably sized, fluid-attenuating lumen. The wall and lumen corresponded to the serous membrane and serous cavity of the MSC. Surgical exploration confirmed that both tumors arose from the mediastinum. Both had similar histologic findings, and special stains were necessary for definitive diagnosis. The tumor was nonresectable in one dog, and it was euthanized intraoperatively. The other survived 7 mo. An MSC mesothelioma should be considered a possible cause of hemothorax in dogs that may be detected on thoracic radiography and computed tomography. Differential diagnoses include esophageal foreign body or neoplasm, paraesophageal diaphragmatic hernia, MCS empyema, and pulmonary adenocarcinoma, with thoracic computed tomography helping to rule out foreign body and diaphragmatic hernia. For confirmed neoplasms, histochemistry and immunohistochemistry should be performed to differentiate between mesothelioma and pulmonary adenocarcinoma.

Repair of a delayed, traumatic dorsal diaphragmatic hernia using a single paracostal approach in a dog.

CASE HISTORY: A 1-year-old German Shepherd dog presented for delayed onset of a traumatic, dorsal diaphragmatic hernia of the pars lumborum. CLINICAL FINDINGS AND TREATMENT: Herniorrhaphy via a ventral midline celiotomy (with and without a paracostal extension) were unsuccessful and the hernia recurred. The hernia was successfully repaired using a single lateral paracostal surgical approach. This approach provided excellent exposure and should be considered for dorsal pars lumborum diaphragmatic hernia repairs. DIAGNOSIS: Dorsal diaphragmatic hernia of the pars lumborum. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Whilst uncommon, tears to the dorsal aspect of the diaphragm should be considered as well as the more common radial or circumferential pars costalis tears. Pre-operative computed tomographic imaging can identify the exact location of the hernia in order to allow the best surgical approach to be determined. A lateral paracostal approach should be considered as an alternative to a ventral midline celiotomy with or without paracostal extension for repair of dorsal diaphragmatic hernias affecting the pars lumborum, as it provides excellent exposure. A single lateral paracostal approach has not been reported previously for diaphragmatic hernia repair in dogs.

J-incision to approach the cranial abdomen in the adult horse.

OBJECTIVE: To describe a modified celiotomy to improve access to cranial abdominal structures in horses. ANIMALS: Four horses. STUDY DESIGN: Short case series. METHODS: Three horses with gastric impactions were treated with gastrotomies. One horse was treated for a diaphragmatic hernia with herniorrhaphy and mesh augmentation. In all horses, the ventral midline celiotomy was modified cranially with a J-incision through the body wall, along the paracostal arch. RESULTS: The only surgical complications were midline incisional infections in all horses. Three of the four horses had good long-term outcomes; the remaining horse underwent euthanasia for reasons likely unrelated to incisional complications. CONCLUSION: The J-incision improved access to the stomach and diaphragm in these horses. The paracostal component healed in all cases without evidence of infection or dehiscence. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: This modified celiotomy may be considered to improve access during gastrotomy and repair of dorsally located diaphragmatic hernias.

Peritoneal-pericardial diaphragmatic hernia in a 6-year-old male intact pug dog.

A 6-year-old intact male pug dog was referred to the Atlantic Veterinary College veterinary teaching hospital for a surgical consultation after survey radiographs taken by the referring veterinarian led to a tentative diagnosis of a peritoneal-pericardial diaphragmatic hernia. Computed tomography of the thorax and abdomen prior to surgery further characterized the lesion and aided in surgical planning. Surgical correction of the defect was achieved via primary herniorrhaphy. The patient was discharged and was reported to be doing well 7 months after surgery.

Hernie péritonéale-péricardique diaphragmatique chez un carlin mâle non-castré âgé de 6 ans. Un carlin mâle non-castré âgé de 6 ans fut référé à l'hôpital d'enseignement vétérinaire de l'Atlantic Veterinary College pour une consultation chirurgicale à la suite des radiographies prises par le vétérinaire référant qui ont mené à un diagnostic préliminaire d'hernie péritonéale-péricardique diaphragmatique. La tomodensitométrie du thorax et de l'abdomen avant la chirurgie a permis de mieux caractériser la lésion et a aidé dans la planification de la chirurgie. La correction chirurgicale du défaut fut réalisée par hernioraphie primaire. Le patient obtint son congé et allait bien 7 mois après la chirurgie.(Traduit par Dr Serge Messier).

Outcome after surgical and conservative treatments of canine peritoneopericardial diaphragmatic hernia: A multi-institutional study of 128 dogs.

OBJECTIVE: To compare demographics and disease characteristics in dogs in which peritoneopericardial diaphragmatic hernia (PPDH) had been diagnosed and report outcomes after surgical treatment (ST) or conservative treatment (CT). STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study. SAMPLE POPULATION: One hundred twenty-eight dogs (91 ST, 37 CT) in which PPDH had been diagnosed. METHODS: Medical records were reviewed for demographics, perioperative findings, and outcomes. Follow-up was obtained via telephone interview and email correspondence with owners and referring veterinarians. Baseline variables were compared between treatment groups. RESULTS: Dogs treated surgically were younger (P < .001), more likely to be sexually intact (P = .002), more likely to have clinical signs from PPDH vs an incidental diagnosis (P < .001), and more likely to have other congenital abnormalities (P = .003) compared with dogs treated conservatively. Ninety-seven percent of ST dogs were discharged from hospitals. Intraoperative and postoperative complications were reported in 22% and 41% of dogs, respectively, although most complications were classified as low grade (75% and 83%, respectively). Follow-up was available in 87 dogs, at a median of 1062 days. Hernia recurrence was not reported in any surgically treated dog. The deaths of nine dogs (five ST, four CT) could be attributed to PPDH, and long median survival times were observed in both the ST and CT groups (8.2 and 5 years, respectively). CONCLUSION: Preoperative characteristics differed between dogs treated conservatively vs surgically. Surgical treatment was associated with low operative mortality, and both ST and CT dogs had good long-term survival. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: A diagnosis of PPDH can confer a good long-term prognosis for both ST and CT dogs.

Multiple acquired portosystemic shunts subsequent to traumatic diaphragmatic hernia in a dog.

A 4-year-old castrated male dog was presented because of acute, severe neurologic signs 4 months after a 10-meter fall. Liver enzyme activity was high. Imaging and surgery revealed diaphragmatic hernia, liver entrapment, and multiple acquired portosystemic shunts. Initial recovery indicated improved liver enzyme activity and neurologic status although pancreatitis ultimately ensued.

Shunts porto-systémiques multiples acquis à la suite d'une hernie diaphragmatique traumatique chez un chien. Un chien mâle castré âgé de 4 ans fut présenté à cause de signes neurologiques aigus sévères 4 mois après une chute de 10 mètres. L'activité des enzymes hépatiques était élevée. L'imagerie et la chirurgie ont révélé une hernie diaphragmatique, un coincement du foie et de multiples shunts porto-systémiques acquis. Le rétablissement initial montrait une amélioration de l'activité des enzymes hépatiques et du statut neurologique bien qu'une pancréatite ait finalement suivi.(Traduit par Dr Serge Messier).

Major Histocompatibility Complex Dmα/ß Genes and Their Expressional Diversity in Healthy and Diseased Water Buffalo Bubalus bubalis.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The major histocompatibility complex (MHC) categorized into three (I, II and III) classes elicits the immunogenic response by presenting exogenous peptides to T cells. The MHC-II DM is composed of DMα and DMß, two polypeptide chains, both are encoded by separate MHC genes involved in antigen processing and presentation. Despite the acknowledged role of MHC complex in humans, the literature is silent on the organization and expression of these genes in water buffalo Bubalus bubalis, an agriculturally important animal species. METHODS: We deduced the full-length mRNA sequences of DMα and DMß genes, localized them onto the chromosome 2, assessed their copy number per haploid genome and studied tissue and disease specific expression. RESULTS: The Real Time PCR showed higher expression of both the genes and their seven interacting partners in spleen, gonads and spermatozoa. Significantly, upregulation of DMα and DMß genes and their interacting partners were detected in diseased group of buffaloes as compared to that in healthy ones. CONCLUSION: The upregulation of Bubalus bubalis (BuLA)-DMα and DMß genes and their interacting partners reflect their role in regulating immune responses towards the amelioration of diseases. Work on this line would enhance our understanding on the overall roles of MHC locus, allowing development of possible therapeutic treatment strategies.

Morphology of the Diaphragm Muscle in Southern Tamandua (Tamandua tetradactyla) and its Importance in Cases of Traumatic Hernia.

The wall of the diaphragm can be affected by changes caused by physical trauma, allowing the passage of viscera between the abdominal cavity and thoracic cavity, thus reducing the space for pulmonary expansion, leading to the formation of hernia and possible death. Thus, we aimed to characterize, size and determine the topography of the diaphragmatic muscle in the Southern Tamandua, since clinical and surgical activities in wild animals have become a reality more and more present in veterinary medicine. We used six adult animals, x-rayed and dissected, followed by collection of fragments of muscular portions for histological analysis. Initially we observed that the animals presented 17 thoracic vertebrae, 3 lumbar vertebrae and 5 sacral vertebrae. The diaphragm was conformed by three segments: sternal, costal and right and left diaphragm pillar, with presence of tendinous centre that housed the passage of the caudal vena cava, called foramen of the caudal vena cava. Dorsally to the tendinous centre, already in the muscle portion, we located the esophageal and aortic hiatus. These findings, as well as the microscopic, were equivalent to that found in the general literature also, corroborating with descriptions already carried out in other mammals' diaphragms.

Diaphragmatic hernia in a pet chinchilla (Chinchilla lanigera).

A 10-year-old pet chinchilla (Chinchilla lanigera) was referred for ultrasound investigation of a thoracic mass. The mass was initially believed to be a pulmonary abscess or tumor based on radiographs and ultrasound. Cytological examination suggested the presence of a gastrointestinal structure in the thorax, and necropsy revealed a true diaphragmatic hernia subdividing the stomach into thoracic and abdominal portions.

Hernie diaphragmatique chez un chinchilla de compagnie(Chinchilla lanigera). Un chinchilla (Chinchilla lanigera) domestique mâle castré de 10 ans a été référé pour investigation échographique d'une masse thoracique. Basé sur les radiographies et l'échographie, il fut initialement pensé que la masse était un abcès ou une tumeur pulmonaire. L'analyse cytologique suggérait la présence d'une structure gastro-intestinale dans le thorax et la nécropsie a révélé une vraie hernie diaphragmatique qui divisait l'estomac en une partie thoracique et une partie abdominale.(Traduit par les auteurs).

Prognostic indicators for perioperative survival after diaphragmatic herniorrhaphy in cats and dogs: 96 cases (2001-2013).

BACKGROUND: To determine associations between perioperative mortality after surgery for traumatic diaphragmatic hernia, medical records of 17 cats and 79 dogs that underwent diaphragmatic herniorrhaphy were reviewed. RESULTS: The combined perioperative survival rate was 81.3% (88.2% in cats and 79.8% in dogs). Data from acute and chronic cases was assessed separately. Of the acute cases (12 cats and 48 dogs), 10 cats (83.3%) and 38 dogs (79.2%) survived to discharge. Of the chronic cases (5 cats and 31 dogs), 5 cats (100%) and 25 dogs (80.6%) survived to discharge. The time between trauma and surgery, trauma and admission, and admission and surgery were not associated with survival. For cats and dogs, increased duration of anesthesia and surgical procedure were associated with increased mortality (P = 0.0013 and 0.004, respectively). Animals with concurrent soft tissue injuries had a 4.3 times greater odds of mortality than those without soft tissue injury (P = 0.01). Animals with concurrent soft tissue and orthopedic injuries had a 7.3 times greater odds of mortality than those without soft tissue and orthopedic injuries (P = 0.004). Animals that were oxygen dependent had a 5.0 times greater odds of mortality than those that were not (P = 0.02). No other variables were significantly associated with survival. CONCLUSIONS: For cats and dogs that underwent surgery for traumatic diaphragmatic hernia, increased anesthetic duration, increased duration of surgical procedure, concurrent soft tissue injuries, concurrent soft tissue and orthopedic injuries, and perioperative oxygen dependence were associated with increased mortality.

Diaphragmatic hernia in a pet chinchilla (Chinchilla lanigera).

A 10-year-old pet chinchilla (Chinchilla lanigera) was referred for ultrasound investigation of a thoracic mass. The mass was initially believed to be a pulmonary abscess or tumor based on radiographs and ultrasound. Cytological examination suggested the presence of a gastrointestinal structure in the thorax, and necropsy revealed a true diaphragmatic hernia subdividing the stomach into thoracic and abdominal portions.

Hernie diaphragmatique chez un chinchilla de compagnie(Chinchilla lanigera). Un chinchilla (Chinchilla lanigera) domestique mâle castré de 10 ans a été référé pour investigation échographique d'une masse thoracique. Basé sur les radiographies et l'échographie, il fut initialement pensé que la masse était un abcès ou une tumeur pulmonaire. L'analyse cytologique suggérait la présence d'une structure gastro-intestinale dans le thorax et la nécropsie a révélé une vraie hernie diaphragmatique qui divisait l'estomac en une partie thoracique et une partie abdominale.(Traduit par les auteurs).

Congenital diaphragmatic hernia with concurrent aplasia of the pericardium in a foal.

BACKGROUND: In veterinary medicine congenital abnormalities of the diaphragm and pericardium are rare, idiopathic malformations, being reported mainly in dogs. This report documents an unusual case of developmental defects in a foal consisting of diaphragmatic hernia concurrent with pericardial aplasia. CASE PRESENTATION: Following a normal delivery, a full term, female Friesian stillborn foal with the placenta was presented for necropsy. External morphological examination indicated a normally developed foal. At necropsy, a large oval defect (approximately 20 × 15 cm in size) was observed in the left-dorsal side of the diaphragm (left lumbocostal triangle). This defect allowed the intestinal loops, spleen and partially the liver to translocate into the thorax. The loops of the left ascending colon, including the pelvic flexure and partially the small intestine covered the cranial and dorsal posterior parts of the heart due to the complete absence of the left pericardium. The remaining pericardium presented as a white, semi-transparent strip, partially covering the right side of the heart. The left lung and the main bronchus were severely hypoplastic to approximately one-fifth the size of their right homologue. The intermediate part of the liver, containing mainly the enlarged quadrate lobe was translocated in the thorax, severely enlarged and showed marked fibrosis. Histologically in the herniated lobes we diagnosed hepatic chronic passive congestion, telangiectasia and medial hypertrophy of blood vessels. CONCLUSION: Concomitant malformation involving diaphragmatic hernia and pericardial aplasia in horses have not been previously reported. Moreover, this is the first case describing pericardial aplasia in horse.

Perianesthetic development of diaphragmatic hernia in a horse with equine pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID).

A 21-year-old Thoroughbred gelding with a history of equine pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID) presented with priapism of 2 days' duration. The horse received a caudal morphine epidural and then underwent corpus cavernosum lavage and phallectomy under general anesthesia. The patient's recovery featured multiple unsuccessful attempts to stand and his respiratory distress persisted for several hours until he acutely developed severe colic and was euthanized. Necropsy findings revealed a pituitary adenoma of the pars intermedia, bilateral adrenal cortical hyperplasia, and diaphragmatic herniation. This report suggests that horses with PPID may present a greater risk for diaphragmatic hernia under general anesthesia or during procedures placing stress on the diaphragm, including anesthetic recovery.

Développement périanesthésique d'une hernie diaphragmatique chez un cheval atteint d'une dysfonction de l'hypophyse pituitaire (DHP). Un hongre Thoroughbred âgé de 21 ans avec une anamnèse de dysfonction de l'hypophyse pituitaire (DHP) a été présenté avec un priapisme présent depuis 2 jours. Le cheval a reçu une épidurale caudale de morphine et a ensuite subi un lavement du corps caverneux et une phallectomie sous anesthésie générale. Le rétablissement du patient a comporté de nombreuses tentatives infructueuses de se tenir debout et sa détresse respiratoire a persisté pendant plusieurs heures jusqu'à ce qu'il développe de graves coliques et soit euthanasié. Les constatations à la nécropsie ont révélé un adénome pituitaire de l'hypophyse, de l'hyperplasie corticale bilatérale et une herniation diaphragmatique. Ce rapport suggère que les chevaux atteints de DHP peuvent présenter un plus grand risque d'hernie diaphragmatique sous anesthésie générale ou durant des interventions exerçant un stress sur le diaphragme, y compris le réveil après l'anesthésie.(Traduit par Isabelle Vallières).

Laparoscopic Treatment of Peritoneal-Pericardial Diaphragmatic Hernia.

Laparoscopic herniorrhaphy provides a feasible minimally invasive treatment option for dogs with peritoneal-pericardial hernias with careful case selection. This article describes the techniques, instrumentation, and challenges associated with laparoscopic peritoneal-pericardial diaphragmatic hernia repair.

A ventral diaphragmatic advancement technique to repair a large congenital peritoneopericardial diaphragmatic hernia in a dog.

OBJECTIVE: To report a ventral diaphragmatic advancement technique to repair a large congenital peritoneopericardial diaphragmatic hernia in a dog. ANIMAL: A 5-month-old 15-kg entire male Labrador Retriever. CLINICAL PRESENTATION, PROGRESSION, AND PROCEDURES: The dog presented with a history of diarrhea for a week and acute-onset lethargy and vomiting for 3 days. Clinical examination revealed borborygmi on auscultation of the chest, and subsequent imaging showed a congenital peritoneopericardial diaphragmatic hernia. TREATMENT AND OUTCOME: The ventro-central diaphragmatic defect was repaired with a pericardial flap, which subsequently failed 7 months later. The revision surgery was performed with a novel surgical technique. The defect was closed by means of incising the ventral attachments of the diaphragm either side of the defect and sliding it medially to allow a tension-free closure. The ventral aspect of the incised diaphragm was reattached with circumcostal sutures and the central defect closed. The dog recovered rapidly and without complication. An excellent outcome was reported after surgery. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This novel technique was a simple method to repair a peritoneopericardial diaphragmatic hernia and had good clinical results in this case.

Clinical evaluation and surgical intervention for diaphragmatic eventration mimicking peritoneopericardial hernia in a cat.

A 2-year-old spayed female British Shorthair cat presented with an increased frequency and duration of cough since infant period. Based on radiographic, ultrasonographic, and computed tomography findings, peritoneopericardial diaphragmatic hernia was considered so that repair surgery was planned. During celiotomy, lax diaphragm was identified instead of defect. Transabdominal diaphragmatic plication was performed to resolve lax diaphragm and to prevent recurrence by overlapping relatively normal part of diaphragm. Diagnosed with diaphragmatic eventration postoperatively, the cat showed improvement in clinical signs and imaging results. Transabdominal diaphragmatic plication is a suitable treatment; the patient maintained normally during a 14-month follow-up period.

Thoracoscopic diaphragmatic hernia repair in a warmblood mare.

OBJECTIVE: To describe successful repair of a diaphragmatic hernia in a standing sedated horse using a minimally invasive thoracoscopic technique. STUDY DESIGN: Clinical report. ANIMALS: Warmblood mare with a diaphragmatic hernia. RESULTS: An 18-year-old Warmblood mare with severe colic was referred for surgical treatment of small intestinal strangulation in a diaphragmatic defect. Twelve days after initial conventional colic surgery, left-sided laparoscopy in the standing sedated mare for diaphragmatic herniorrhaphy failed because the spleen obscured the hernia. One week later, a left-sided thoracoscopy was performed in the standing sedated horse and the hernia repaired by an intrathoracic suture technique. No long-term complications occurred (up to 4 years) and the mare returned to her previous athletic activity, followed by use as a broodmare. CONCLUSIONS: To avoid the high risks associated with general anesthesia, and to reduce surgical trauma and postoperative recovery, central diaphragmatic hernias are amenable to repair using a minimally invasive thoracoscopic technique in the standing sedated horse.

A fatal case of complicated congenital peritoneopericardial diaphragmatic hernia in a Holstein calf.

Congenital peritoneopericardial diaphragmatic hernia is a rare condition most commonly reported in cats and dogs. A 6-week-old Holstein heifer calf with a congenital peritoneopericardial diaphragmatic hernia complicated by a perforated abomasal ulcer is described. The clinical signs and pathological findings are compared with those reported in other species.

Un cas mortel d'hernie diaphragmatique péritonéopéricardique congénitale chez un veau Holstein. L'hernie diaphragmatique péritonéopéricardique congénitale est une rare affection qui est le plus fréquemment signalée chez les chats et les chiens. Le cas d'une génisse Holstein âgée de 6 semaines atteinte d'une hernie diaphragmatique péritonéopéricardique congénitale compliquée par un ulcère perforé de l'abomasum est décrit. Les signes cliniques et les résultats pathologiques sont comparés à ceux signalés chez d'autres espèces.(Traduit par Isabelle Vallières).