Clinical, echocardiographic, and radiographic findings of peritoneopericardial diaphragmatic hernia in two dogs and a cat

Peritoneopericardial diaphragmatic hernia was diagnosed in 2 dogs and a cat. One dog was referred because of clinical signs of cardiac tamponade and acute decompensation from liver entrapment within the hernia. Surgical correction of the hernia alleviated clinical signs in all 3 animals. Echocardiography was used in combination with radiography to provide a rapid and accurate diagnosis.     

A fatal case of complicated congenital peritoneopericardial diaphragmatic hernia in a Holstein calf

Congenital peritoneopericardial diaphragmatic hernia is a rare condition most commonly reported in cats and dogs. A 6-week-old Holstein heifer calf with a congenital peritoneopericardial diaphragmatic hernia complicated by a perforated abomasal ulcer is described. The clinical signs and pathological findings are compared with those reported in other species.     

Polycystic kidneys and peritoneopericardial diaphragmatic hernia in the cat: a case report

Polycystic kidneys and peritoneopericardial diaphragmatic hernia were diagnosed in an 8-year-old female domestic shorthair cat. The animal was anorectic at the time of presentation, and the blood urea level was mildly elevated.
Euthanasia was performed at the owner's request.     

Peritoneopericardial diaphragmatic hernia: a retrospective study of 31 cats and eight dogs

The records of 31 cats and eight dogs undergoing surgical correction of peritoneopericardial diaphragmatic hernia (PPDH) from 2000 through 2007 were reviewed. Weimaraners and long-haired cats of varying breeds, particularly Maine Coon cats, appear to be at higher risk of PPDH. Presenting complaints were most commonly related to the respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts in both dogs and cats, although respiratory signs were more prevalent in cats, and gastrointestinal signs were more common in dogs. The most common herniated organs were liver, gallbladder, and small intestine. Mortality associated with surgical repair of PPDH in cats and dogs was low in the first 2 weeks postoperatively, and prognosis for return to normal function was excellent. Peri-and postoperative complications were typically minor and self-limiting.     

Long-term outcome of cats treated conservatively or surgically for peritoneopericardial diaphragmatic hernia: 66 cases (1987-2002)

OBJECTIVE: To determine long-term outcome of cats treated conservatively or surgically for peritoneopericardial diaphragmatic hernia (PPDH). DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS: 67 cats with PPDH. PROCEDURE: Medical records of cats with a diagnosis of PPDH made from 1987 through 2002 were reviewed. Information regarding long-term outcome was obtained from owners. RESULTS: Prevalences of PPDH in domestic longhair and Himalayan cats were significantly greater and prevalence of PPDH in domestic shorthair cats was significantly lower than prevalence of PPDH in the hospital cat population over the 15-year study period. Historical problems most commonly related to the respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts. Peritoneopericardial diaphragmatic hernia was the primary diagnosis in 40 cats and an incidental finding in 27 cats. One cat died prior to arrival at the Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital. Thirty-seven of 66 cats were treated surgically, and 29 were treated conservatively. The postoperative mortality rate was 14%. Postoperative complications developed in 29 of 37 cats, the most common of which was hyperthermia. Two of 22 conservatively treated cats had progression of clinical signs necessitating surgical intervention or resulting in death. Owner satisfaction with treatment choice and long-term outcome was rated as very satisfied by 88% of owners of surgically treated cats and 68% of owners of conservatively treated cats. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Cats with overt clinical signs attributable to PPDH are good candidates for surgical herniorrhaphy. Postoperative complications may develop but are generally minor and self-limiting. Long-term outcome of cats treated conservatively or surgically was rated as very good by most owners.     

Outcome of 19 dogs with parathyroid carcinoma after surgical excision

Parathyroid carcinoma (PTC) is rare in dogs and there is little information documenting its treatment and prognosis. The objective of this study was to describe the outcome of dogs with PTC treated with surgical excision. Medical records of 19 dogs undergoing surgical excision of PTC between 1990 and 2010 were reviewed retrospectively. Dogs were presented for clinical hypercalcaemia or incidental hypercalcaemia noted by referring veterinarians on routine serum chemistry profiles. A parathyroid nodule was identified with cervical ultrasound in 17/17 dogs. Hypercalcaemia resolved in 18/19 dogs within 4 days postoperatively. Nine developed hypocalcaemia. None were confirmed to develop recurrent or metastatic PTC. The only death associated with PTC was a dog that was euthanized for intractable hypocalcaemia 9 days after surgery. Estimated 1-, 2- and 3-year survival rates were 72, 37 and 30%, respectively. Excision of PTC results in resolution of hypercalcaemia and excellent tumour control.     

1例犬创伤性膈疝的诊断与治疗

1只雄性红色贵宾犬(泰迪)出现流口水、呼吸急促、呕吐等症状。经过问诊、临床检查、钡餐造影等一系列检查确诊为慢性创伤性膈疝。通过手术方法进行膈疝修复和内脏器官复位,选择以腹中线(向前扩展)作为手术通路,采用呼吸麻醉机进行呼吸麻醉和正压辅助呼吸恢复胸腔的负压状态。手术过程中使用心电监护仪、血压计进行手术监护,膈疝修复时使用3-0可吸收缝合线进行连续缝合修补。手术后,做好护理避免出现并发症。此病例为宠物膈疝临床诊治提供参考。     

A retrospective study comparing conservative and surgical treatments of open comminuted fractures of the fourth metatarsal bone in horses

The proximal third of metatarsal IV is predisposed to open comminuted fractures due to its superficial and prominent position and controversy exists regarding the most appropriate management for this type of fracture. Fifty‐three horses treated for open comminuted fractures of the proximal third of metatarsal IV were selected for study from 6 equine hospitals across England. Comparisons were made between the 21 horses treated conservatively and the 32 horses treated surgically. Horses treated conservatively at referral centres had comparable rates of survival, rates of return to full work and convalescent periods but a significantly lower cost than those treated surgically. The results of this study suggest that aggressive conservative therapy may be indicated in open comminuted fractures of the proximal third of metatarsal IV.     

Perioperative survival rates after surgery for diaphragmatic hernia in dogs and cats: 92 cases (1990-2002)

OBJECTIVE: To determine the survival rates of dogs and cats that underwent surgical treatment for traumatic diaphragmatic hernia within 24 hours of admission and determine whether timing of surgery affected perioperative survival rate. DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS: 63 dogs and 29 cats treated surgically for traumatic diaphragmatic hernia. PROCEDURE: Medical records were reviewed to evaluate associations between perioperative survival rates and variables including timing of surgery in relation to admission and acute versus chronic diaphragmatic hernia. RESULTS: Among the 92 animals, 82 (89.1%) were discharged alive after surgery. Sixty-four (69.6%) patients received surgical intervention within 12 hours of admission, and 84 (91.3%) received surgical intervention within 24 hours of admission. Median time from admission to discharge was 4 days (2 to 33 days). Data for acute cases (68 dogs and cats) were analyzed separately. Sixty-three (92.6%) patients with acute diaphragmatic hernia received surgical intervention within 24 hours of admission to the hospital, and 59 (93.7%) of these patients were discharged alive. Twenty-nine (42.6%) patients with acute diaphragmatic hernia received surgical intervention within 24 hours of trauma, and 26 of 29 (89.7%) patients were discharged alive. An overall acute and chronic perioperative survival rate of 89.7% was observed in dogs and cats that received surgical intervention within 24 hours of admission. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results in 68 dogs and cats that underwent surgery within 24 hours of admission suggested that early surgical intervention for acute diaphragmatic hernia was associated with good perioperative survival rates.     

Diagnosis and treatment of acquired diaphragmatic hernia by thoracotomy in 49 dogs and 72 cats

Diaphragmatic hernia frequently occurs as a consequence of traffic accidents. The 'pendulating' or 'inspiratory abdominal' respiration and the sinistro- or dextrocardia are often diagnostic. Palpation of the apex beat proved to be reliable way of determining whether median, left- or right-sided thoracotomy was indicated. In this paper the results of surgical treatment of 49 dogs and 72 cats by means of a thoracic approach are presented. In 46 dogs full recovery was achieved, three animals died. From the 72 cats 10 patients died and 62 recovered. Based upon the comparison of these figures and reports from the literature using the abdominal approach, we consider thoracotomy superior to the abdominal approach for this type of patient.     

Comparison of techniques for transdiaphragmatic thoracic drainage after diaphragmatic defect closure in dogs: a cadaveric study

Four thoracic evacuation techniques for pneumothorax elimination after diaphragmatic defect closure were compared in 40 canine cadavers. After creating a defect in the left side of the diaphragm, thoracic drainage was performed by thoracostomy tube insertion through the defect and a small (DD-SP) or large (DD-LP) puncture created in the caudal mediastinum, or through both the diaphragmatic defect and intact contralateral diaphragm with a small (DI-SP) or large (DI-LP) puncture in made in the caudal mediastinum. Differences in intrapleural pressure (IPP) between the right and left hemithoraxes after air evacuation along with differences in IPP before making a defect and after air evacuation in each hemithorax were calculated. A difference (p ≤ 0.0011) in IPP between the left and right hemithoraxes after air evacuation as well as before making a defect and after air evacuation in the right hemithorax was detected for the DD-SP group. No significant differences (p ≥ 0.0835) were observed for the DI-LP, DD-LP, or DI-SP groups. Creation of a large mediastinal puncture or thoracic evacuation through both a diaphragmatic defect and intact contralateral diaphragm can facilitate proper pneumothorax elimination bilaterally after diaphragmatic defect closure in dogs with a small puncture in the caudal mediastinum.     

Gastric dilatation-volvulus associated with diaphragmatic hernia in three cats: clinical presentation, surgical treatment and presumptive aetiology

Three cats were examined because of acute dyspnoea and sudden abdominal enlargement. In all cats, radiographs revealed gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV) and diaphragmatic hernia. Cardiovascular shock and dyspnoea were treated by intravenous fluid-therapy, oxygen administration and relief of diaphragmatic pressure by means of stomach decompression and in one case placing the patient in an inclined position. Gastric decompression was performed by needle gastrocentesis, placement of a rhino-gastric tube, or a combination of these. Diaphragmatic herniorrhaphy was performed in either case; one cat also underwent gastropexy. The immediate postoperative period resolved uneventfully and the cats were doing well at follow-up. Feline GDV is a rare event in which diaphragmatic hernia may be a predisposing factor.     

Chemoprophylaxis and treatment of African canine trypanosomosis in French military working dogs: A retrospective study

African trypanosomosis is a major threat to livestock production in sub-Saharan Africa. Although the disease mainly concerns cattle, dogs can also be infected by Trypanosoma spp. transmitted by tsetse flies. Between 1997 and 2003, the parasite Trypanosoma congolense was identified in French military dogs sent to Africa. On infected dogs, the diagnosis was made during the mission or just after the return to France, depending on when the symptoms appeared. The high incidence and mortality rate among these dogs led veterinarians of the French Health Service to implement a systematic chemoprophylaxis beginning in 2004. Between 2004 and 2011, the chemoprophylaxis was carried out on more than 400 military dogs. The protocol of chemoprophylaxis relies on the use of isometamidium chloride (Trypamidium^®, Merial). The drug has been used successfully at the dosage of 1 mg/kg body weight by deep intramuscular injection, every two or three months. In addition, dogs are given collars impregnated with deltamethrin (Scalibor^®, MSD Animal Health). Isometamidium chloride was also used successfully in the treatment of military dogs infected with T. congolense, with a full recovery and without any relapses.     

Patterns of nodal metastases,biological behaviour and prognosis of canine mast cell tumours of the pinna: A multi-institutional retrospective study

Canine cutaneous mast cell tumours (cMCTs) of the pinna have been associated with an aggressive biological behaviour, although data remain scarce. The knowledge acquired over the past years on histologic gradings, and the value of lymph node (LN) staging, may help in better characterizing this anatomical presentation. The first aim was to describe the frequency, location, and histologic appearance of LN metastases in cMCT of the pinna. A second aim was to evaluate prognosis. Medical records of dogs with cMCT of the pinna, that underwent tumour and sentinel (SLN) or regional LN (RLN) excision, were reviewed. The influence of potential prognostic variables on time to progression (TTP) and tumour-specific survival (TSS) was investigated. Thirty-nine dogs were included: 19 (48.7%) had Kiupel high-grade (K-HG) and 20 (51.3%) had low-grade (K-LG) MCTs. Eighteen (46.1%) dogs underwent SLN mapping: the superficial cervical LN was at least one of SLN in 17 (94.4%) cases. Twenty-two (56.4%) dogs had LN metastases; the superficial cervical LN was always involved. On multivariable analysis, only K-HG was associated with increased risk of progression (p = .043) and tumour-related death (p = .021). Median TTP and TSS were 270 and 370 days in K-HG, respectively; these were not reached in dogs with K-LG tumours (p < .01). cMCTs of the pinna are often K-HG and are also associated with a higher frequency of LN metastasis; however, we confirmed the independent prognostic value of histologic grading. A multimodal treatment may lead to favourable long-term outcome. Moreover, the superficial cervical LN is most often the SLN.