Patient Profile: An intact male Australian Shepherd mix, roughly 3 years old, found on the side of the road and presented by the Humane Society.

History: This dog was found recumbant, appearing to have been hit by a car.   He had a few gashes and epistaxis.  He was also very aggressive.

Physical Examination:  Heart rate = 148/minute.  Pulse rate = 148/minute.  Respiratory rate = 15/minute.  Body weight = 16 kg.  He could not walk and although he was aggressive, he seemed mentally dull.  He appeared to be at least 10% dehydrated.  He was in moderate respiratory distress.  Lung sounds were decreased.  There was no apparent heart murmur.  He was extremely sensitive to abdominal palpation.  Forelimb and hindllimb reflexes seemed normal.

Laboratory Findings:   Because of money concerns, no lab values were run.

Radiograph:

Questions:   

• What clinical signs are seen with diaphragmatic hernias?
• What diagnostic technique is most commonly used to identify diaphragmatic hernias?
• What do you see on the radiograph?
• When should you perform surgery, and in what instance is a diaphragmatic hernia a surgical emergency?
• What post-op complication should you be watching for?

Answers and Discussion:

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Copyright Wayne E. Wingfield, DVM, and Brenda McClelland, DVM, Colorado State University, 2000. All rights reserved.
This page was last edited:  08/24/00