Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Rupture of the diaphragm in the horse.
- Journal:
- Equine veterinary journal
- Year:
- 1977
- Authors:
- Pearson, H et al.
- Species:
- horse
Plain-English summary
This study looked at four horses that sadly died from a tear in their diaphragm, which is a muscle that helps with breathing. In two of these cases, there was no known injury, while the other two had recently experienced trauma to their chest. Three of the horses showed signs of colic (abdominal pain) and had issues with their bowels, and two of them also had trouble breathing. The fourth horse died quickly, likely due to shock. Overall, the findings highlight the seriousness of diaphragmatic rupture and its potential causes and effects.
Abstract
Four cases of fatal diaphragmatic rupture in the horse are described. In 2 cases there was no history of injury but the other 2 animals had sustained recent thoracic trauma. Three of the horses had signs of colic and bowel obstruction complicated, in 2 cases, by respiratory embarrassment; the fourth died rapidly, presumably of shock. Previously published cases are reviewed and the causes, clinical effects, diagnosis and treatment of the disorder are discussed.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/837901/