Clinical and radiographic aspects in peritoneopericardial diaphragmatic hernia in dogs and cats

Abstract

Peritoneopericardial diaphragmatic hernia is a type of congenital diaphragmatic hernia that consists in the persistence of a communication between the peritoneal cavity and the pericardial sac, affecting dogs and cats. This condition occurs as a result of the defective development of the ventral segment of the diaphragm during embryogenesis. Due to the persistence of communication between the two cavities (peritoneal and pericardial), abdominal organs can protrude into the pericardial sac. The clinical signs are nonspecific, being consistent with the size of the diaphragmatic defect and the herniated organ(s). The afflicted animals can be asymptomatic or show severe clinical signs (cardio-respiratory and/or digestive), which can be life-threatening. The diagnosis is established by radiographic examination, without or after the administration of the contrast medium. In the case of symptomatic patients, the treatment is surgical, and in the case of asymptomatic patients, monitoring of digestive and respiratory functions is recommended.