Relatório do Estágio Supervisionado Obrigatório (ESO) na área de clínica cirúrgica de pequenos animais no Hospital Veterinário da UFRPE.

Abstract

The diaphragm separates the abdominal and thoracic cavities, ainding in ventilation. The feline diaphragm consists of three foramina: the aortic hiatus is located dorsally, the vena cava forâmen ventrally and the esophageal hiatus on the right side. Diaphragmatic hernia occurs due to the rupture of the diaphragm, wich causes the displacement of organs from the abdominal cavity to the thoracic cavity. It can be classified according to its origin, secondary to trauma or accidents, it’s classified acquired. As an example of trauma that causes diaphragmatic hernia, we can mention being run over, falling, fighting, kicking, thus being classified as traumatic diaphragmatic hernia. About 85 % of the series of traumatic diaphragmatic hérnias occurs in felines, young, male and not neutered. Clinical signs are of cardiorespiratory and gastrointestinal origin, and may vary according to the herniated organs. However, traumatic diaphragmatic hernias are often associated with significant respiratory distress, however chronic diaphragmatic hernias in asymptomatic animals are not uncommon. The diagnosis is based on clinical history (such as recent trauma) and is confirmed by simple and contrasted radiographic examinations of the chest, with may include loss of the diaphragm dome, overlapping of víscera to the lung and displacement of the cardiac silhouette. It can be associated with abdominal ultrasound, since pleural effusions may be present and thoracocentesis may be necessary. The prognosis of animals affected with traumatic diaphragmatic hernia is guarded. Because it’s a rupture, the indicated treatment is surgical correction, and it’s necessary to stabilize the patient for submission to the surgical procedure.