🩺 Vet Guide 2025: Diaphragmatic Hernias in Dogs and Cats – Causes, Symptoms & Surgery Explained 🐾

By Dr Duncan Houston, BVSc

🫁 What Is a Diaphragmatic Hernia?

A diaphragmatic hernia occurs when an organ from the abdomen—like the liver, stomach, or intestines—pushes through a tear or hole in the diaphragm, the thin muscle that separates the chest from the abdomen and helps with breathing. This condition allows abdominal organs to enter the chest cavity, compressing the lungs or even the heart, leading to breathing difficulties and other health complications.

🔍 Types of Diaphragmatic Hernias

There are two main types of diaphragmatic hernias in pets:

• Traumatic Diaphragmatic Hernia 🚗 – Caused by sudden trauma like being hit by a car, falling from a height, or blunt force injury.
• Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia 🎈 – Present from birth due to improper development of the diaphragm.

Peritoneopericardial Diaphragmatic Hernia (PPDH) 💔

This is a unique congenital form where abdominal organs pass through the diaphragm and into the pericardium, the sac that encloses the heart. It’s more common in cats than dogs and often discovered during routine exams or imaging for unrelated conditions.

🐶🐱 Which Pets Are at Risk?

While any dog or cat can develop a diaphragmatic hernia, trauma is more common in outdoor or adventurous pets. PPDH tends to occur in certain breeds, including:

• Maine Coon cats 🐱
• Weimaraners and Dobermans 🐕

⚠️ Signs and Symptoms to Watch For

The symptoms depend on the severity of the hernia, the organs involved, and whether the condition is acute (sudden) or chronic (ongoing). Common signs include:

• 🚨 Trouble breathing or rapid, shallow breathing
• 💤 Lethargy and reduced activity
• ❌ Poor appetite
• 🤒 Fever
• 💥 Collapse or sudden distress
• 🎧 Abnormal chest sounds (e.g., gurgling if intestines are in the chest)

In milder cases, pets may live symptom-free for years, with the hernia discovered incidentally during imaging for another issue.

🧪 How Are Diaphragmatic Hernias Diagnosed?

Your vet will begin with a thorough physical examination. They may hear digestive noises in the chest instead of the belly—an important clue.

Diagnostic tools include:

• X-rays (radiographs) 🩻 – Reveal displaced organs or abnormal gas shadows
• Ultrasound 🖥️ – Provides real-time images of organ placement
• Barium studies 🧪 – Highlight the GI tract using a contrast medium for clearer imaging

🔧 Surgical Treatment Options

The definitive treatment for diaphragmatic hernias is surgery. The goals of surgery include:

• ✅ Repairing the hole in the diaphragm
• ✅ Returning organs to their correct position
• ✅ Assessing and possibly removing damaged tissues or organs

🫀 Repairing Peritoneopericardial Hernias

When the hernia involves the heart sac (PPDH), surgical repair is more delicate. The surgeon must carefully remove the abdominal organs from the pericardium and repair both the diaphragm and heart sac. This complex surgery is usually performed by specialists.

📉 Surgical Risks and Recovery

Because the diaphragm plays a critical role in breathing, surgery carries certain risks. Pets undergoing repair need anesthesia and precise post-op care. Key considerations include:

• Risk of respiratory failure 🛑 – Especially if the hernia has been chronic
• Inflammation and adhesions 🤕 – May cause complications during surgery
• Organ necrosis ❌ – Trapped organs may lose blood supply and require removal

However, most pets who recover from surgery experience a full return to normal activity and no recurrence of the hernia.

⏳ When Surgery May Be Deferred

In asymptomatic pets or those with small hernias, some veterinarians may recommend a wait-and-see approach. While this avoids surgical risk, it comes with its own dangers:

• 🚨 Organs may shift suddenly, causing acute symptoms
• 🧠 Internal damage may go unnoticed until it’s too late
• ❌ Surgery becomes riskier the longer the hernia persists

Always discuss these pros and cons with your veterinarian. A specialist consult can also provide clarity.

📋 Post-Surgical Care and Monitoring

After surgery, pets require:

• 🛏️ Strict rest and cage confinement for 2–4 weeks
• 💊 Pain control and antibiotics to prevent infection
• 🍽️ Soft, easily digestible food during the recovery phase
• 🏥 Follow-up imaging to confirm successful repair

Owners should monitor for labored breathing, poor appetite, or any signs of surgical complications like swelling or discharge.

🩺 Prognosis for Pets with Diaphragmatic Hernias

With early diagnosis and surgical intervention, the prognosis is excellent. Most pets recover fully and go on to live normal, active lives. Recovery is harder if surgery is delayed until the organs are compromised, so early detection is key.

👨‍⚕️ Final Words from Dr Duncan Houston

Diaphragmatic hernias can be life-threatening but are very treatable with the right care. Whether the cause is trauma or a congenital defect like PPDH, early diagnosis, careful monitoring, and timely surgery can give your furry friend the best chance at a healthy future.

Don’t wait for symptoms to become severe. If your pet has experienced trauma or shows any signs of respiratory distress, see your vet immediately. 🐾

📲 Need Help Deciding Next Steps? Ask A Vet!

Facing a surgical decision or unsure about symptoms? Download the Ask A Vet app to chat with trusted professionals like Dr Duncan Houston. 🐶🐱 Whether it’s imaging advice, post-op care, or getting a second opinion, we’re here for you 24/7!