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Caval foramen hernia in a cat
Jia Wen Siow1, QiCai Jason Hoon1, Elizabeth Jenkins1
1University Veterinary Teaching Hospital, School of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia.
JFMS Open Reports
|November 5, 2020
Summary
This report details the first successful surgical repair of a caval foramen hernia in a cat. This congenital diaphragmatic hernia caused liver herniation and was treated with herniorrhaphy, resolving the cat's symptoms.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Surgery
- Comparative Pathology
- Congenital Abnormalities
Background:
- Congenital diaphragmatic hernias (CDH) are rare in cats.
- Caval foramen hernia (CFH), a specific type of CDH, involves herniation through the caval opening in the diaphragm.
- Embryologically, CFH may arise from defective development of the septum transversum.
Observation:
- A 3-year-old domestic shorthair cat presented with hyporexia, lethargy, and weight loss.
- Diagnostic imaging revealed a diaphragmatic hernia with liver and gallbladder herniation through the caval foramen.
- Radiographic findings mimicked a pulmonary mass, highlighting potential diagnostic challenges.
Findings:
- Successful surgical repair (herniorrhaphy) of a caval foramen hernia was performed via ventral midline coeliotomy.
- The cat experienced complete resolution of clinical signs and regained weight post-operatively.
- This represents the first documented case of successful CFH repair in a feline patient.
Implications:
- This case establishes a precedent for surgical intervention in feline CFH.
- Early diagnosis and surgical management are crucial for favorable outcomes.
- Awareness of CFH's potential association with caudal vena cava obstruction is important for prognosis.
