Mummified Fetus in the Thoracic Cavity of a Domestic Short-haired Cat

Abstract

This short communication describes the diagnosis, treatment, and clinical course of a domestic short-haired cat with diaphragmatic hernia in which the herniated structure in the thoracic cavity contained a mummified fetus. The cat was pregnant when rescued from the street and, days later, gave birth without abnormalities. Some months later, during an ovariohysterectomy, an abnormal localization of the uterus was observed, and at that time the case was referred to our center. A thoracic radiograph showed an abnormal thoracic mass cranial to the heart. The main suspicion was the presence of a thoracic hernia with the uterus herniated and containing a mummified fetus. A thoracotomy was performed to confirm the nature of the mass and reduce the diaphragmatic hernia. Although this clinical case is quite rare, a mummified fetus can be observed in thoracic hernias.