Management of 60 cases of diaphragmatic rupture

Abstract

Abstract Sixty cases of diaphragmatic rupture in the dog and cat were reviewed. There was a 90 per cent success rate following surgical repair. There were six deaths; two of these resulted from pulmonary collapse and hydrothorax, two cats from pulmonary oedema, one cat with cardiac arrest and one due to hepatic necrosis. In none of the deaths was the presence or absence of chest drains implicated. Apart from cases of gastric dilation, all animals benefited from 12 to 24 hours cage rest and stabilisation before surgery. Simple anaesthetic and surgical guidelines for the management of diaphragmatic rupture are described.