Peritoneopericardial diaphragmatic hernia and concomitant lung lobe torsion in a dog

Abstract

AbstractA 7‐month‐old, male, entire Weimaraner was referred for surgical repair of a peritoneopericardial diaphragmatic hernia. Thoracic radiographs confirmed a peritoneopericardial diaphragmatic hernia and showed a vesicular emphysema pattern, suggestive of lung lobe torsion. Herniorrhaphy to repair the peritoneopericardial diaphragmatic hernia was performed, and exploratory median sternotomy revealed a torsion of the right middle lung lobe, as well as complete atelectasis of the right caudal lung lobe. Lung lobectomies were performed, and an autologous pericardial flap was used to repair the diaphragmatic defect. A second operation was required because of the suspicion of active bleeding. It was discharged after 6 days of hospitalisation. It is our hypothesis that peritoneopericardial diaphragmatic hernia contributed to the lung lobe torsion due to alterations in the spatial dimensions of the thoracic cavity. Lung lobe torsion has been previously associated with traumatic diaphragmatic herniation in dogs and cats, and has also been reported in a cat with a congenital peritoneopericardial diaphragmatic hernia and chylothorax.