Peritoneopericardial hernia in dogs

Abstract

Congenital diaphragmatic peritoneopericardial hernia in dogs is attributed to a failure in the development of the transverse septum and may cause clinical signs. Its diagnosis is usually made through chest radiographic examination, where it is possible to detect cardiomegaly and the presence of abdominal organs in the pericardial sac. The aim of this study was to report two cases of peritoneopericardial hernia in asymptomatic bitches. The patients presented a lack of appetite and vomiting for different reasons, which led the veterinarians to request abdominal ultrasounds, which, in both cases, were suggestive of diaphragmatic peritoneopericardial hernia. In Case 1, a Doppler echocardiogram was also performed, and in Case 2, a contrast‐enhanced chest x‐ray confirmed the diagnosis. Although surgical treatment can be used, in the reported cases it was unnecessary. Therefore, the treatment chosen was conservative, maintaining the clinical follow‐up and keeping the patient's quality of life without surgical interventions.