Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Cat with skin fragility had diaphragm and perineal hernias fixed
By Benitah, Noemi et al.·Published in Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association·2004·Department of Veterinary Clinical Medicine, United States·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Diaphragmatic and perineal hernias associated with cutaneous asthenia in a cat.
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
An 11-year-old cat was brought in for breathing problems (dyspnea) and had a history of very stretchy skin due to a condition called cutaneous asthenia. X-rays showed a diaphragmatic hernia, which means part of the intestine was in the chest cavity, and this was surgically repaired. Later, the cat developed two perineal hernias, which were also successfully fixed with surgery. All surgeries went well, and the cat healed without complications.
People also search for: cat breathing problems · cat hernia surgery recovery · cutaneous asthenia in cats
Abstract
An 11-year-old cat was evaluated because of dyspnea. Since 11 months of age, the cat had hyperextensibility of the skin consistent with cutaneous asthenia. Radiographic examination revealed a diaphragmatic hernia with intestinal loops in the thorax. Electron microscopic examination of skin specimens revealed collagen fibers of highly variable diameter, consistent with cutaneous asthenia. The diaphragmatic hernia was surgically repaired and healed well. Four weeks later, a left-sided perineal hernia was repaired surgically, and 4 months later, a right-sided perineal hernia was repaired surgically and colopexy and cystopexy were performed. All surgical procedures were successful and tissues healed well. Dermatosparaxis is a rare hereditary disorder that commonly results in cutaneous fragility and hyperextensibility in affected animals. The diagnosis depends on clinical findings and light and electron microscopic changes in affected tissues. Surgical repair can be performed successfully in an affected cat, and healing of incisions can occur without complications.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15002808/