Disorder - Omphalocele

Organ Systems Involved
Gastrointestinal

Alternative disorders described within LIDA

Cryptorchidism; Congenital heart defects; Porto-systemic shunts

Alternative Names
Congenital omphalocele

Presenting Signs

Omphaloceles are large defects of the umbilicus (navel) and skin, on the midline of the body. The defect allows abdominal organs (such as intestines and liver) to protrude from the body as a hernia. These herniated contents are usually covered by a thin membrane (amnion) that ruptures very easily with minor trauma. When this membrane ruptures, the prolapsed organs are exposed to contamination and infection. This defect is obvious at birth.

Cats at Risk

New-borns

Treatment

None. Surgery has been attempted but with no success as the surrounding tissue that would usually be stitched together is also abnormal.

PubMed References
Omphalocele

Contributor
Jess Green