Surgical and nonsurgical treatment of peritoneopericardial diaphragmatic hernia in dogs and cats: 58 cases (1999–2008)

Abstract

Results of this study indicated animals with clinical signs of PPDH were more likely to undergo surgery than were animals without such signs. Herniorrhaphy was typically effective for resolution of clinical signs. Long-term survival rates were similar regardless of treatment method. Surgical or nonsurgical treatment of PPDH may be appropriate for animals with or without clinical signs, respectively.

Peritoneopericardial diaphragmatic hernia in the dog and cat

“…The presence of clinical signs may depend on the degree of herniation (Burns et al, 2013). In large diaphragmatic defects abdominal organ displacement into the pericardial sac may result in adhesion formation of the organs to the pericardium, organ entrapment or strangulation leading to gastrointestinal, respiratory or cardiac disorders (Burns et al, 2013, McClaran 2013.…”

“…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.…”

“…In large diaphragmatic defects abdominal organ displacement into the pericardial sac may result in adhesion formation of the organs to the pericardium, organ entrapment or strangulation leading to gastrointestinal, respiratory or cardiac disorders (Burns et al, 2013, McClaran 2013. Small defects which do not allow organ protrusion may be asymptomatic (Burns et al, 2013).…”

“…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.…”