Surgical treatment of a recurrent diaphragmatic hernia in a cat with ectopic kidney within the thoracic wall: case report

Abstract

A diaphragmatic hernia occurs when abdominal organs move into the thoracic cavity through a rupture or defect in the diaphragm. Traumatic diaphragmatic hernias are typically caused by events such as car accidents, falls from significant heights, animal kicks, or fights. There is no known breed or sex predisposition for this condition. The time lapse between injury and diagnosis can vary, ranging from a few hours to several years. This study describes the history, clinical signs, surgical treatment, as well as post-operative care and follow-up of a feline patient with a traumatic diaphragmatic hernia. The suture material used in this case provided excellent tension in the surgical wound, leading to a full recovery of the patient within 5 days. Recurrence of the hernia after the first surgery was managed by closing the left dorsal insertion of the diaphragm with the ectopic kidney capsula and abdominal fat.