What Is a Diaphragmatic Hernia in Dogs?
A diaphragmatic hernia in dogs involves a tear in the diaphragm, a crucial muscle that separates the chest cavity from the abdominal cavity. This thin muscle plays a vital role in the breathing process, flattening during inhalation to create a vacuum for air intake and returning to its dome shape during exhalation to expel air from the body.
When the diaphragm muscle is torn, it leads to a concerning condition where the contents of the abdomen breach into the thoracic (chest) cavity. Essentially, the dog’s stomach, intestines, and other organs can migrate into the chest, disrupting their normal placement. This condition is referred to as a diaphragmatic hernia or a herniated diaphragm.
Diaphragmatic hernias in dogs are often a result of blunt force trauma, commonly occurring when a dog is hit by a car or kicked by a large farm animal. The forceful impact causes a tear in the diaphragm muscle, with the size of the tear varying from small and easily sealed with abdominal tissue (mesentery) to significantly large. In some cases, the tear may start as a small opening and enlarge over time.
Veterinarians typically screen for this condition when there is a documented history of trauma. It’s widely considered a medical emergency, except in situations where the tear is minimal and the dog’s condition remains stable. Timely diagnosis and proper treatment are essential for managing diaphragmatic hernias to achieve the best possible outcome for the dog.
Symptoms
- Vomiting
- Difficulty in breathing
- Rapid, shallow breaths
- Cyanotic (blue) gums
- Anorexia (loss of appetite)
- Exercise intolerance
- Muffled heart sounds
- Thinner, empty-looking abdomen
In certain instances, there might be no observable signs, adding to the difficulty of detecting the condition without comprehensive medical evaluation.
Causes
The primary cause of a diaphragmatic hernia in dogs is trauma. Typical traumatic incidents involve being struck by a vehicle, kicked by a large animal like a cow or horse, or falling from a significant height or out of a window. The intense force from these events can result in a tear in the thin muscle that separates the chest from the abdomen.
In rare cases, a dog may be born with a congenital diaphragmatic hernia, wherein there is a defect present at birth.
Diagnosis
Diagnosing a diaphragmatic hernia in dogs typically involves X-rays following a physical examination. Veterinarians can observe the normal diaphragm and ensure that the chest and abdomen appear normal, with organs in their correct positions.
Occasionally, a small tear in the diaphragm might not be visible on initial X-rays. In cases of trauma history, veterinarians may suggest additional X-rays or specialized imaging to confirm the presence of a hernia.
The diagnosis process’s simplicity hinges on the tear’s size in the diaphragm. If initial examinations and X-rays show no signs of a hernia but one is present, it may take several months before abdominal tissue starts protruding through the tear. This can gradually enlarge the tear, allowing more abdominal organs like the intestines, stomach, and liver to herniate into the chest cavity.
Signs of a hernia might only appear in dogs much later after the traumatic incident, prompting further X-rays for an accurate diagnosis of the diaphragmatic hernia.
Treatment
The typical treatment for diaphragmatic hernias in dogs involves surgery. Depending on the hernia’s severity, your dog may require stabilization before undergoing anesthesia for the surgical repair of the torn diaphragm.
In cases where abdominal fluid has entered the chest cavity, impeding your dog’s breathing, veterinarians may suggest thoracocentesis before surgery. This procedure involves draining fluid from the chest cavity using a needle, facilitating lung expansion and improving your dog’s ability to breathe.
Unfortunately, diaphragmatic hernias cannot be remedied with medications, making surgery the most effective option. It’s crucial for dogs to be stable before surgery. However, delaying surgery for too long can lead to scar tissue formation between the lungs and abdominal organs, increasing surgical risks.
Early intervention is vital to prevent complications and enhance the likelihood of a successful outcome. The veterinary surgeon will assess your dog’s condition carefully and determine the optimal timing for surgery, weighing the need for stabilization against the risks of delay. Prompt surgical intervention for diaphragmatic hernias offers the best chance of recovery for your dog.
Living and Management
The prognosis for dogs following surgery to repair a herniated diaphragm is typically guarded during the initial 24 hours. Some dogs may develop re-expansion edema, where fluid accumulates in their lungs after hernia repair. This condition often occurs when lung lobes have been collapsed for an extended period due to the hernia.
However, if your dog shows improvement after the first 24 hours, the likelihood of a full recovery significantly improves. It’s crucial to adhere to all post-operative instructions during your dog’s recovery period, which usually spans about two weeks and requires strict rest and limited activity.
During outdoor activities, leash-walk your dog only and prevent them from running, jumping, or playing. To prevent licking, chewing, or scratching at the incision site, ensure your dog wears an Elizabethan collar or recovery shirt when not under direct supervision until sutures or staples are removed.
Follow the prescribed regimen for pain management and antibiotics as directed. If you notice any concerning signs during the recovery phase, such as difficulty breathing, lethargy, vomiting, or decreased appetite, promptly contact your veterinarian for assistance.
Diaphragmatic Hernia in Dogs FAQs
Is it possible for dogs to live with a herniated diaphragm?
Although a diaphragmatic hernia should ideally be repaired through surgery without delay, dogs may manage to live with a hernia for a certain period, contingent upon its size and severity.
How prevalent are herniated diaphragms in dogs?
Herniated diaphragms are relatively rare occurrences in dogs. Nevertheless, dogs subjected to blunt force trauma should undergo screening by a veterinarian to detect a potential herniated diaphragm.
