Outcomes and complications of paracostal hernia surgery in cats

Abstract

ObjectivesThe aim of the present study was to report the outcome and complications associated with the treatment of paracostal hernias in cats and to determine the prevalence of concurrent diaphragmatic hernia.MethodsA retrospective, descriptive study was conducted by reviewing the medical records of cats that underwent paracostal hernia repair between January 2019 and January 2024. The collected data, including presentation, clinical signs, surgical findings, blood parameters, imaging techniques used for diagnosis and postoperative outcomes, were retrospectively reviewed. Descriptive statistical analyses were performed.ResultsA total of 19 cats were included (median age 2 years, range 2 months to 10 years). Clinical signs upon admission included tachypnoea (9/19 cats), weakness (7/19 cats) and ataxia or paralysis (4/19 cats). Radiography was the primary diagnostic tool, identifying 89.5% of the cats with paracostal hernia. Concurrent diaphragmatic hernias were present in 63% of the cases. Postoperative complications occurred in nine cats, including major complications (3/19 cats) leading to immediate postoperative mortality.Conclusions and relevanceConsidering the prevalence of diaphragmatic hernias observed, this study highlights the importance of visualising the diaphragm during paracostal hernia surgery. Although major complications resulted in early death, most patients recovered without short-term complications. These findings emphasise the need for careful postoperative monitoring and highlight the favourable prognosis associated with paracostal hernia repair in cats.