Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Gastric dilatation and hernia causing sudden breathing trouble in cats
By Formaggini, Luca et al.·Published in Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery·2008·Lago Maggiore Veterinary Clinic, C.so Cavour 3, 28040 Dormelletto (NO), Italy, Italy·View original on Crossref →
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Original publication title: Gastric dilatation–volvulus associated with diaphragmatic hernia in three cats: Clinical presentation, surgical treatment and presumptive aetiology
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
Three cats were brought to the vet because they were having trouble breathing and their bellies were suddenly swollen. X-rays showed they had a serious condition called gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV), along with a diaphragmatic hernia, which is when part of the stomach moves into the chest cavity. The vets treated them with fluids, oxygen, and relieved the pressure in their stomachs using a needle or a tube. They also performed surgery to fix the hernia, and one cat had an additional procedure to secure the stomach. All three cats recovered well after surgery and were doing fine at their follow-up visits.
People also search for: cat breathing problems · cat swollen belly treatment · gastric dilatation volvulus in cats · diaphragmatic hernia surgery for cats
Abstract
Three cats were examined because of acute dyspnoea and sudden abdominal enlargement. In all cats, radiographs revealed gastric dilatation–volvulus (GDV) and diaphragmatic hernia. Cardiovascular shock and dyspnoea were treated by intravenous fluid-therapy, oxygen administration and relief of diaphragmatic pressure by means of stomach decompression and in one case placing the patient in an inclined position. Gastric decompression was performed by needle gastrocentesis, placement of a rhino-gastric tube, or a combination of these. Diaphragmatic herniorrhaphy was performed in either case; one cat also underwent gastropexy. The immediate postoperative period resolved uneventfully and the cats were doing well at follow-up. Feline GDV is a rare event in which diaphragmatic hernia may be a predisposing factor.
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Search related cases →Original publication on Crossref: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jfms.2007.09.010