Courtesy of
Clarence A. Rawlings, DVM, Ph.D., Dipl. ACVS
Professor, Small Animal Medicine and Surgery
University of Georgia

Laparotomy To Repair Hernia In A Cat

Patient: Kalamity, 3-year old Olicat (fig 1)

Presenting Complaint: Uncomfortable, reclusive, and eating poorly for the past few days. Throughout life, excitement produced short, rapid breathing pattern. The referring veterinarian had diagnosed a mass behind the heart, possibly a diaphragmatic hernia.

Our radiographs (fig 2 lat and fig 3 vd of the thorax, fig 4 lat view of the abdomen and ultrasonography (fig 5) were supportive of a congenital peritoneal-pericardial hernia, however this was not definitive. A mass in the chest behind the heart would have typically been approached by a lateral thoracotomy. In contrast, a hernia would be best repaired by a midline approach in the abdomen.

Radiograph lat (fig 2)

Radiograph vd (fig 3)

Radiograph lat view of the abdomen (fig 4)

Radiograph lat view of the ultrasonography (fig 5)

Endoscopic Technique: A 5 mm laparoscope was placed into the abdomen and the diaphragm examined. A peritoneal-pericardial hernia was diagnosed (fig 6). A laparotomy was performed and the hernia was repaired.

(fig 6)

Benefits of using Endoscopy: Laparoscopy insured that the appropriate procedure was performed, rather than inappropriately performing a thoracotomy as the initial approach.