Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Breathing trouble in Cavalier King Charles spaniels from stomach
By Rossanese, M et al.·Published in The Journal of small animal practice·2019·Small Animal Teaching Hospital, United Kingdom·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Congenital pleuroperitoneal hernia presenting as gastrothorax in five cavalier King Charles spaniel dogs.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
Five Cavalier King Charles Spaniel dogs were brought to the vet with sudden breathing problems. X-rays showed that their stomachs had moved into the chest cavity due to a congenital (present at birth) defect in the diaphragm, causing a serious condition called tension gastrothorax. Surgery confirmed the diagnosis and allowed the vets to fix the hernia and return the stomach to its proper place. This condition is rare but can be life-threatening, so it’s important for owners to seek immediate veterinary help if their dog shows signs of respiratory distress.
People also search for: Cavalier King Charles Spaniel breathing problems · dog stomach hernia treatment · tension gastrothorax in dogs
Abstract
Five cavalier King Charles spaniels were examined for acute onset of respiratory distress. Thoracic radiographs demonstrated diaphragmatic hernia and tension gastrothorax, visible as a distended stomach occupying the left caudal thoracic cavity. Exploratory midline coeliotomy confirmed congenital pleuroperitoneal diaphragmatic hernia with herniation and dilatation of the stomach. The hernia configuration was consistent in all cases, with a defect affecting the left diaphragmatic crus. Congenital pleuroperitoneal diaphragmatic hernia is a rare condition caused by a defect in the dorsolateral diaphragm. Defects of the left crus of the diaphragm could result in the herniation of the stomach into the thoracic cavity with possible subsequent tension gastrothorax. Cavalier King Charles spaniels may have a predisposition to this condition. Tension gastrothorax is an acute life-threatening consequence of gastric herniation through a diaphragmatic defect that must be promptly recognised and surgically treated.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29708274/