Congenital Diaphragm Defect in a Neonatal Southern White Rhinocerus (Ceratotherium simum simum)

The morphogenesis of the diaphragm requires a coordinated development of different components with potential of malformation. Diaphragmatic herniation has rarely been reported in large animals and has not been described in a rhinoceros. An 8-day-old- female southern white rhinoceros calf was diagnosed with congenital diaphragmatic hernia with large parts of the intestine translocated in the thoracic cavity. Gross necropsy revealed bilateral Bochdalek hernia, severe damage of the intestinal tract and congestion of both lungs. Histologic findings demonstrated lung hypoplasia and severe pneumonia due to regurgitation and aspiration of nutritional components.