DİAGNOSİS OF PERİTONEAL PERİCARDİAL DİAPHRAGMATİC HERNİA İN A CAT WİTH RESPİRATORY DİSTRESS AND VOMİTİNG
10th International Congress on Advances in Veterinary Sciences & Technics (ICAVST 2025), Sarajevo, Bosnia And Herzegovina, 21 - 25 July 2025, pp.108-114, (Full Text)
- Publication Type: Conference Paper / Full Text
- City: Sarajevo
- Country: Bosnia And Herzegovina
- Page Numbers: pp.108-114
- Dokuz Eylül University Affiliated: Yes
Abstract
Abstract
Peritoneal pericardial diaphragmatic hernia (PPDH) is a congenital anomaly in which
there is an opening between the pericardial and peritoneal cavities, causing
abdominal organs to enter the pericardial space. It is caused by defects in the
junction of the septum transversum and pleuroperitoneal membranes during
embryonic development of the ventral part of the diaphragm. It is a rare disorder
reported worldwide as 0.02-0.15% in dogs and 0.05-0.59% in cats. This case report
evaluated examination findings, clinical course, diagnostic methods, and treatment
management of PPDH in a cat. A 5-month-old male Scottish Fold cat was admitted
to the internal medicine clinic of Selçuk University Animal Hospital with complaints
of respiratory distress, vomiting, anorexia, and weakness. Clinical examination
revealed muffled heart and respiratory sounds during auscultation, decreased body
condition score, paradoxical respiratory movements, and pain on abdominal
palpation. Blood analysis revealed respiratory acidosis and hypercalcemia. Radiologic
examination revealed cardiac silhouette enlargement, disappearance of the
anatomical border between the heart and diaphragm, and superimposed soft tissue
opacities in this region. Ultrasonographic and echocardiographic examination
revealed that the liver, gallbladder, and intestinal segments were located adjacent to
the heart within the pericardial space. Mild pericardial effusion was also detected.
These investigations confirmed congenital PPDH. Oxygen therapy was started to
stabilize the patient. After stabilization, the patient was sent for operation. In
conclusion, although PPDH is one of the rare congenital anomalies in cats, it tends
to present to the clinic with respiratory and gastrointestinal system findings,
especially in young and elderly individuals. In cases presenting with symptoms such
as respiratory distress, vomiting, and pain on abdominal palpation, the possibility of
PPDH should be considered as a differential diagnosis. Advanced imaging techniques
such as radiographic imaging, ultrasonographic, and echocardiographic examination
contribute significantly to the diagnosis. This case demonstrates that PPDH cases
may present to internal medicine clinics with respiratory and digestive symptoms and
should be considered in the differential diagnosis process.