Disorder - Hernia, peritoneopericardial

Organ Systems Involved
Musculoskeletal

Alternative Names
Peritoneopericardial diaphragmatic hernia

Presenting Signs

Peritoneopericardial hernia is one of the most common congenital heart defects identified in cats aged two years or older. Peritoneopericardial hernia occurs when there is failure of normal development of the diaphragm, the sheet-like muscle separating the abdomen and the chest cavities. This defect results in organs from the abdominal cavity entering the sac surrounding the heart (the pericardium). Some cats show clinical signs and others show no effects, but it is often an incidental finding on chest X-rays. Clinical signs of peritoneopericardial hernia may include anorexia, vomiting, diarrhoea, depression, weight loss, wheezing, difficulty breathing, exercise intolerance, pain after eating and collapse. If there is liver damage associated with the hernia there may also be neurological signs present.

Treatment

Surgical: involves replacement of the abdominal contents back into the abdomen and repair of the defect in the wall of the diaphragm.

PubMed References
Hernia, peritoneopericardial

Contributor
Phillipa Sims