A diaphragmatic hernia is a break in the continuity of the diaphragm that lets abdominal organs shift into the chest. In cats it may follow trauma or be present from birth, and it ranges from an incidental radiographic finding to life-threatening respiratory distress. It tests your ability to match history, imaging and urgency: stabilise first, then repair.
Key facts
Diaphragmatic hernia at a glance- Species and system: cat; respiratory, cardiovascular and gastrointestinal effects together.
- Causes: trauma (acquired) or congenital defect. MSD states that in small animals automobile-related trauma is a common cause, although congenital defects such as PPDH may also result in herniation.
- Congenital type: peritoneopericardial diaphragmatic hernia (PPDH), a communication between the peritoneal and pericardial cavities. The pleural space stays intact.
- Classic presentation: acute dyspnea with muffled chest sounds after trauma, or an incidental enlarged cardiac silhouette in a young cat with vague signs.
- Diagnosis: thoracic radiographs are usually diagnostic; ultrasound helps when pleural effusion hides the diaphragm.
- Treatment: stabilise (oxygen, analgesia, fluids), then surgical repair. Not zoonotic or reportable.
What's inside
13 sections in the full guide- Key facts
- How the NAVLE tests this
- Cause and pathophysiology
- Clinical signs
- Diagnosis
- Differential diagnoses
- Treatment and management
- Prevention, control and public health
- Prognosis
- Working through a case
- Quick review
- Test yourself
- References
The full guide also has 4 tables, 1 figure, 3 self-test questions and 5 references, available to NAVLE members.
Read the full study guide
The full guide is part of every NAVLE plan, with diagnosis and treatment tables, figures, a quick review and self-test questions. Start a free trial to try the question bank, or log in if you are already a member.