Diaphragmatic Hernia in a Two-Year-Old Alpaca (Vicugna pacos)

Abstract

A 2-yr-old male intact alpaca (Vicugna pacos) was admitted for a 4-day history of anorexia and colic. Five months prior, the alpaca had undergone surgical removal of a duodenal trichophytobezoar and had recovered uneventfully. The alpaca died under anesthesia, and diaphragmatic herniation of the third gastric compartment (C3) was diagnosed at necropsy. A defect was identified in the left dorsal hemidiaphragm accompanied by herniation of 80% of C3 and the aboral portion of the second gastric compartment into the pericardial sac. The smooth margins and dorsal location of the diaphragmatic defect suggested a congenital origin. Diaphragmatic herniation is uncommon in camelids, and only one other case has been reported. Due to the dorsal location of the diaphragmatic defect in this animal, positioning during the previous surgery may have initiated a partial entrapment of gastric compartments, leading to a more complete incarceration between when the animal was discharged and presented again.

Fatal congenital peritoneopericardial diaphragmatic hernia in a sable antelope (Hippotragus niger) calf

“…The few reported cases in animals were diagnosed in dogs and cats, calves, horses and alpacas. [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9] This condition has not been reported to date in any wild counterparts, especially not in wild antelope species, as documented in this case.…”

“…Congenital peritoneoperiacardial diaphragmatic hernia, an uncommon condition in humans and animals has been reported in a limited number of animal species; dogs and cats, calves, alpacas and horses. [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9] To the authors' knowledge, this is the first report in a wild antelope species.…”

Zwerchfellhernie bei einer Alpakastute (Vicugna pacos)

“…DeVilbiss et al [4] berichteten 2011 von einem zweijährigen Alpakahengst, bei dem 80 % des dritten Kompartiments in den Thorakalraum vorgefallen waren. Klinisch war dieser Hengst 4 Tage zuvor durch Abmagerung und Koliken aufgefallen.…”

“…In der Literatur finden sich nur vereinzelte Berichte über Zwerchfellhernien bei Neuweltkamelen [4][5][6][7]. Eine Zwerchfellhernie bei einer hochträchtigen Alpakastute ist unserer Kenntnis nach bislang nicht beschrieben.…”

Thoracic Imaging and Respiratory Surgery

“…[49][50][51] Peritoneopericardial hernia is a more rare manifestation of diaphragmatic hernia but has been diagnosed in an adult alpaca. [49][50][51] Peritoneopericardial hernia is a more rare manifestation of diaphragmatic hernia but has been diagnosed in an adult alpaca.…”