Diaphragmatic hernia in a goat - Case report

Abstract

ABSTRACT. Marques A.L.A., Simões S.V.D., Miranda Neto E.G., Silva T.R. & Aguiar G.M.N. [Diaphragmatic hernia in a goat - Case report.] Hérnia diafragmática em caprino - Relato de caso. Revista Brasileira de Medicina Veterinária, 36(3):277-280, 21014. Pós-Graduação em Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Campina Grande, Campus de Patos, Patos-Paraíba, Av. Universitá- ria, s/n, Patos, PB 58700-000, Brasil. E-mail: [email protected] Diaphragmatic hernias are caused by a failure in the diaphragm and consequent protrusion of viscera freely or partially strangled the abdominal cavity to the thorax. This paper reports a case of sudden death two days after parturition in Boer goat associated with diaphragmatic hernia. The animal, after moving, showed exercise intolerance, dyspnea, salivation and ortopneic position, dying within hours. Necropsy findings revealed a hole in the continuity of the diaphragm near its left ventrolateral intercostal insertion with the protrusion of reticulum into thoracic cavity. The diaphragmatic muscle rupture may have occurred as a result of the pressure caused by the gravid uterus during parturition. It was considered the permanence of the animal in an area with a slope and the possibility of a congenital weakness or failure in the diaphragm. Dyspnea, ortopneic posture and the presence of clots in the two heart chambers during necropsy show that there was severe impairment of cardiorespiratory function. Although rare, diaphragmatic hernias should be considered in the differential diagnosis of respiratory and abdominal diseases unresponsive to treatment.