Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Pneumopericardium after spay surgery in a dog with diaphragmatic
By Debora Campanile et al.·Published in Animals·2024·Ospedale Veterinario Atheryon, via Grecia, 2, 76125 Trani, Italy, CH·View original on DOAJ →
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Original publication title: Evidence of Pneumopericardium after Elective Ovariectomy in a Peritoneopericardial Diaphragmatic Hernia-Affected Dog: A Case Report
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A dog with a peritoneopericardial diaphragmatic hernia (PPDH) was found to have gas in the heart sac (pneumopericardium) after a routine spay surgery. Although the dog showed no symptoms when admitted, X-rays and ultrasounds confirmed the presence of both the hernia and the gas. A CT scan helped guide the surgical repair of the hernia. After surgery, both the hernia and the gas in the heart sac were resolved, and the dog recovered well.
People also search for: dog gas in heart sac · dog hernia surgery recovery · spay surgery complications in dogs
Abstract
Peritoneopericardial diaphragmatic hernia (PPDH) is an opening between the pericardial sac and the pleuroperitoneal membrane. Pneumopericardium is an infrequent complication of PPDH. This condition is a serious circumstance in which free gas accumulates in the pericardial sac. The present report describes the occurrence of pneumopericardium and pericardial effusion after elective ovariectomy in a dog affected by PPDH. The presence of an umbilical and diaphragmatic hernia was highlighted during ovariectomy, and a pneumopericardium was seen during an X-ray exam. At the time of admission to the hospital, the dog was asymptomatic. The diagnosis was performed by X-ray and ultrasonographic exams. Computed tomography examination confirmed the diagnosis and directed for a surgical approach of the congenital defect. Surgery resulted in resolution of PPDH and of pneumopericardium.
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Search related cases →Original publication on DOAJ: https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14040633