Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Diaphragmatic hernias in the horse: a review of the literature and an analysis of six additional cases.
- Journal:
- Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association
- Year:
- 1977
- Authors:
- Wimberly, H C et al.
- Species:
- horse
Plain-English summary
This study looked at eighteen horses with a condition called diaphragmatic hernia, where part of the diaphragm (the muscle that helps with breathing) is displaced. Most of these cases had been going on for a long time, and something else seemed to trigger a sudden crisis in their abdomen. Doctors found that regular exams didn't help much in figuring out the problem, but X-rays and surgery to explore the abdomen were the best ways to diagnose it. Unfortunately, the chances of successfully fixing the hernia with surgery and having the horse recover well were not very good.
Abstract
Eighteen cases of equine diaphragmatic hernia were reviewed. Most of the cases were of long duration, with an additional factor precipitating acute abdominal crisis. History and physical examination were of little diagnostic significance. Radiography, if available, and exploratory laparotomy were the most useful diagnostic procedures. The prognosis for successful surgical repair and recovery was poor.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/873845/