Thoracotomy for repair of a large dorsal diaphragmatic hernia in an 18‐year‐old mare |
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Authors: | A. Shnaiderman‐Torban A. Epstein G. Kelmer |
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Affiliation: | Large Animal Department, Veterinary Medicine Teaching Hospital, Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, the Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot, Israel |
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Abstract: | An 18‐year‐old Arabian‐mix mare was presented with a history of severe colic. Emergency exploratory celiotomy revealed diaphragmatic hernia, with a large rent in the left dorsal aspect of the diaphragm and large colon volvulus. Attempts to close the defect in the diaphragm in dorsal recumbency were unsuccessful. Therefore, a thoracic approach through lateral thoracotomy was elected, and a mesh was attached to the diaphragm using skin staples. While in dorsal recumbency, the mare suffered from significant respiratory acidosis. Thus, the mare was tilted into reverse Trendelenburg (30° head upward) and ventilation improved markedly. The mare recovered uneventfully, and was doing well 5 years after surgery. |
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Keywords: | horse diaphragmatic hernia thoracotomy equine surgery mesh |
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