🫁 Vet Guide to Diaphragmatic Hernias in Dogs and Cats: Causes, Symptoms & Surgical Options in 2025 🐾

By Dr Duncan Houston, BVSc

A diaphragmatic hernia is a serious condition in dogs and cats where abdominal organs move into the chest through a hole in the diaphragm—a crucial muscle for breathing. This hernia may be congenital (present at birth) or caused by trauma. Whether discovered incidentally or due to sudden symptoms, early diagnosis and surgical repair can be lifesaving. In this comprehensive 2025 veterinary guide, we’ll walk through what diaphragmatic hernias are, how they are diagnosed, and what pet owners can expect from treatment and recovery. 🩺

What Is a Diaphragmatic Hernia? 🧠

The diaphragm is a thin sheet of muscle that separates the chest cavity (lungs and heart) from the abdominal cavity (stomach, liver, intestines). It plays a key role in breathing by creating suction as it contracts.

A hernia occurs when an organ pushes through a weak spot or opening. In diaphragmatic hernias, abdominal organs (like the liver, intestines, or stomach) enter the chest cavity, displacing the lungs or heart and impairing function. 🫁

Types of Diaphragmatic Hernias 🔍

1. Traumatic Diaphragmatic Hernia

• 🚗 Usually caused by blunt trauma (e.g., car accidents, falls)
• 🧱 Results in tearing of the diaphragm

2. Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia

• 🐣 Present from birth
• ⚙️ May be discovered incidentally or cause symptoms early in life

3. Peritoneopericardial Diaphragmatic Hernia (PPDH)

• 🔄 Organs herniate into the sac around the heart (pericardium)
• 🐾 Most commonly seen in cats
• 💔 Can crowd the heart, interfere with heartbeat or breathing

What Are the Symptoms of Diaphragmatic Hernia? 📋

Signs vary depending on severity, location, and whether the hernia is chronic or acute.

Common Symptoms:

• 😮 Trouble breathing or rapid breathing
• 🥵 Lethargy or reluctance to move
• 🍽️ Poor appetite
• 🐾 Fever, collapse, or shock in severe cases
• 💢 Coughing (from lung crowding)

Special Cases:

• 👂 Pinnal vasculitis (ear tip necrosis): Rarely, tissue death if blood flow is compromised (more typical in vasculitis, not hernia)

Pets may show no symptoms if the hernia is small or organs are not yet displaced—or they may suddenly crash if an organ twists or becomes trapped. 🚨

Diagnosing a Diaphragmatic Hernia 🧪

Physical Examination

• 🩺 Abnormal heart or lung sounds
• 📣 Gurgling noises in the chest (from intestines)

Diagnostic Imaging

• 🩻 X-rays: Reveal misplaced abdominal organs or unusual gas patterns
• 🖥️ Ultrasound: Helps visualize herniated organs and diaphragm integrity
• 🥤 Barium series: Traces GI tract if x-rays are inconclusive

Advanced imaging (CT scans) may be used in complex cases or to prepare for surgery. 🧬

How Are Diaphragmatic Hernias Treated? 🛠️

1. Surgical Repair

Surgery is the definitive treatment for diaphragmatic hernias. It involves:

• 🩹 Opening the abdomen or chest
• 🪢 Gently repositioning displaced organs
• 🧵 Suturing the hole in the diaphragm

In PPDH: Surgeons may also repair the pericardium if it’s torn or stretched.

2. Additional Surgical Care

• 🔧 Removal of necrotic or damaged organs (e.g., twisted intestine)
• 💨 Use of ventilators during surgery (since diaphragm assists breathing)

3. Non-Surgical Management?

In rare cases—especially with small, asymptomatic hernias—surgery may be delayed. However, waiting carries risks of organ damage. Talk to your vet about the best course of action. ⚠️

Risks of Surgery 💉

• 🫁 Respiratory distress during anesthesia (due to compromised lungs)
• 💧 Shock or internal bleeding
• ⚖️ Postoperative pain and need for hospitalization

Despite these risks, surgical success rates are high—especially when the pet is stable pre-op and surgery is performed before organs become necrotic. 🏥

Recovery and Aftercare 🏡

Pets undergoing diaphragmatic hernia surgery usually require:

• 🛏️ 2–5 days of hospitalization post-surgery
• 💊 Pain medication and antibiotics
• 🐕 Restricted activity for 2–4 weeks

Most pets make a full recovery and go on to live normal lives with no recurrence. 🎉

Prognosis 🩺

Good prognosis:

• ✅ Pet is stable prior to surgery
• ✅ No necrotic organ damage

Guarded prognosis:

• ❌ Emergency surgery following trauma or collapse
• ❌ Significant respiratory or cardiovascular compromise

Final Thoughts from Dr Duncan Houston 👨‍⚕️

Diaphragmatic hernias are serious but treatable conditions in pets. Whether congenital or trauma-induced, early diagnosis and surgery offer the best chance of a full recovery. Even asymptomatic pets deserve a thorough diagnostic workup if a hernia is suspected—because once signs appear, organ damage may already be severe.

Worried about surgery risks? Need help interpreting x-rays or planning care? Visit Ask A Vet or download the Ask A Vet app to speak with a licensed veterinarian anytime. 🐾📱