Long-term outcome of cats treated conservatively or surgically for peritoneopericardial diaphragmatic hernia: 66 cases (1987–2002)

Abstract

Cats with overt clinical signs attributable to PPDH are good candidates for surgical herniorrhaphy. Postoperative complications may develop but are generally minor and self-limiting. Long-term outcome of cats treated conservatively or surgically was rated as very good by most owners.

Peritoneopericardial diaphragmatic hernia in the dog and cat

“…Peritoneopericardial diaphragmatic hernia is an uncommon anomaly in dogs and cats accounting for 0.025% of the small animal population in two veterinary teaching hospitals (Burns et al, 2013), that occurs more commonly in cats than in dogs (Reed, 1951, Evans and Biery, 1980, Willard and Aronson, 1981, Reimer at al., 2004, Banz and Gottfried, 2010, Burns et al, 2013. Breeds that are overrepresented include Weimeraners, domestic longhair and Persian cats (Evans and Biery, 1980, Cowan and Feeney 1989, Lunney, 1992, Reimer at al., 2004, Rexing and Coolman, 2004, Chalkey et al, 2006, Banz and Gottfried, 2010, Burns et al, 2013.…”

“…Breeds that are overrepresented include Weimeraners, domestic longhair and Persian cats (Evans and Biery, 1980, Cowan and Feeney 1989, Lunney, 1992, Reimer at al., 2004, Rexing and Coolman, 2004, Chalkey et al, 2006, Banz and Gottfried, 2010, Burns et al, 2013. Median age at diagnosis is 14.4 months for dogs and 30 months for cats , Reimer at al., 2004, Banz and Gottfried, 2010, Burns et al, 2013. No sex predilection is reported.…”

“…The most common clinical signs are anorexia, vomiting, exercise intolerance, dyspnoea or tachypnoea (Burns et al, 2013); other signs include lethargy, weight loss, diarrhoea, coughing, or collapse (Evans and Biery, 1980, Neiger, 1996, Reimer at al., 2004, Banz and Gottfried, 2010, Burns et al, 2013. On physical examination the most common findings are muffled heart sounds, heart murmurs or decreased lung sounds (Burns et al, 2013); other findings include thoracic borborygmi or an empty abdomen on palpation (Evans and Biery, 1980, Neiger, 1996, Reimer at al., 2004, Banz and Gottfried, 2010, Burns et al, 2013. However, many animals are asymptomatic (Evans and Biery, 1980, Neiger, 1996, Reimer at al., 2004, Banz and Gottfried, 2010, Burns et al, 2013.…”

“…Failure of closure of the septum transversum or failure of fusion of the septum transeversum and pleuroperitoneal folds are the proposed mechanisms for PPDH development. Possible causes of failure include genetic defects, prenatal injury and teratogenic agents (Clinton, 1967, Evans and Biery, 1980, Reimer at al., 2004.…”

“…Peritoneopericardial diaphragmatic hernia is the most common congenital anomaly affecting the pericardium and the diaphragm in small animals (Detweiler et al,1960, Clinton, 1967, Evans and Biery, 1980, Reimer at al., 2004, Banz and Gottfried, 2010, Burns et al, 2013. Organs more commonly found within the pericardial sac include the liver, small intestine, gallbladder, omentum, spleen, colon, pancreas and falciform ligament (Evans and Biery, 1980, Wallace et al, 1992, Neiger, 1996, Reimer at al., 2004, Banz and Gottfried, 2010, Burns et al, 2013.…”