SIGNALMENT:
3-year-old male neutered Beagle-mix.
HISTORY:
This dog was hit by a car over the weekend, taken to its regular veterinarian
who administered treatment for shock, and transferred to the local emergency
center for supportive care. Surgical consultation was requested on Monday.
DIAGNOSIS:
Radiographs taken at the emergency center show pulmonary contusions
and are suspicious for a diaphragmatic hernia (Figure 1). Iodinated
contrast media was administered orally and repeat lateral films of the
chest obtained two hours later (Figure 2). Loops of small intestine
are visualized within the thoracic cavity, confirming a diaphragmatic hernia.
TREATMENT:
Diaphragmatic herniorrhaphy was performed subsequent to confirmation
of the hernia. The diaphragm was torn from its right tendinous origin (adjacent
to L2-3 and L3-4), extending down through the muscular portion of the right
crus. Additional films (not shown) also document a left coxofemoral luxation. |
Figure 1
Lateral view of the thorax, plain film, showing pulmonary contusions
and possible diaphragmatic hernia.
Figure 2
Lateral view of the thorax, contrast study, showing loops of small
intestine visible within the thoracic cavity. |
