Diaphragmatic eventration in a kitten and subsequent surgical intervention

Authors: Fabella AF, Bennett TC, Flatz KM
Publication: Australian Veterinary Practitioner, Volume 50, Issue 3, pp 173-183, Sep 2020
Publisher: Australian Veterinary Association

Animal type: Cat
Subject Terms: Abdomen, Clinical examination, Congenital disease, Surgery, Thorax
Article class: Clinical Report

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Abstract:

A 10-week-old entire male domestic short-hair kitten presented for the investigation of multiple episodes of listlessness and shaking. Thoracic radiographs performed by the referring veterinarian were supportive of a peritoneal-pericardial diaphragmatic hernia and referral to a specialist surgical service was pursued. Exploration of the abdomen revealed a large right-sided area of diaphragmatic inversion into the pericardial sac without discontinuation of the diaphragmatic tissue. A revised diagnosis of diaphragmatic eventration of the right hemidiaphragm was made. Correction was accomplished by diaphragmatic plication. Post-operative thoracic radiography revealed left-sided pneumothorax and pneumopericardium and thoracocentesis was performed. The kitten recovered routinely and was clinically well two months post-operatively.

Diaphragmatic eventration is a rarely encountered clinical entity. This is the first report of a cat diagnosed with diaphragmatic eventration that has had surgical intervention. It is also the first record of any surgical complications associated with diaphragmatic plication in this species.

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