Acute non-traumatic abdominal pseudoherniation in a geriatric cat

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Surgery
• Comparative Pathology
• Abdominal Wall Anatomy

Background:

• Abdominal wall defects can present as hernias or pseudohernias, often associated with trauma or congenital anomalies.
• Non-traumatic pseudohernias, particularly those involving specific muscle layer defects, are infrequently reported in veterinary literature.
• Accurate diagnosis is crucial for appropriate surgical planning and successful outcomes.

Observation:

• A 16-year-old domestic shorthair cat presented with an acute, non-traumatic abdominal outpouching of viscera.
• Diagnostic imaging revealed abdominal wall thinning and a defect in the transverse abdominis muscle, consistent with a pseudohernia rather than a true hernia.
• Exploratory surgery confirmed the absence of a hernia ring, with intact fascial layers despite muscle discontinuity.

Findings:

• A novel surgical reconstruction technique involving internal abdominal oblique advancement and external rectus sheath imbrication was employed.
• The procedure resulted in complete resolution of the pseudohernia with no recurrence during follow-up.
• Histopathology of biopsies ruled out neoplasia, but the cat was later diagnosed with lymphoma, leading to euthanasia.

Implications:

• This case presents the first reported instance of a non-traumatic abdominal wall pseudohernia in a geriatric cat.
• The described surgical technique offers a viable and effective method for correcting similar abdominal wall anomalies.
• This report expands the understanding of abdominal wall pathologies and surgical repair strategies in feline patients.