Diaphragmatic Hernias in Cats: Causes, Diagnosis & Treatment

Hearing from a veterinary surgeon that your cat has a diaphragmatic hernia can be overwhelming and worrying. This condition requires prompt surgical intervention and can sometimes be life-threatening. This guide explains in detail what a diaphragmatic hernia is, its causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and what to expect during recovery.

What Is a Diaphragmatic Hernia?

The diaphragm is a thin but crucial muscle that separates the chest cavity, containing the heart and lungs, from the abdominal cavity, which houses organs like the stomach, liver, spleen, and intestines. It plays a vital role in breathing by creating negative pressure in the chest to allow lung expansion.

A diaphragmatic hernia occurs when there is a hole or tear in the diaphragm muscle, allowing abdominal organs to protrude into the chest cavity. This disrupts normal lung expansion and can compromise breathing.

Depending on the size of the tear and organs involved, this condition can be an emergency or go unnoticed for days. In some cases, displaced organs may lose their blood supply, adding further risk.

Causes and Symptoms

In cats, traumatic injury is the primary cause of diaphragmatic hernias, most commonly due to road traffic accidents where blunt force ruptures the diaphragm. Young cats may also develop this hernia from misjudged jumps or awkward landings, as their diaphragm muscles are thinner and more vulnerable.

If your cat has been involved in such trauma, it is important to seek veterinary help immediately, as other injuries may mask the hernia.

• Faster breathing: Due to restricted lung expansion.
• Reduced appetite: Might occur due to pain or trauma, but not always present.
• Lethargy: Your cat may be quieter or reluctant to move, signaling discomfort or breathing difficulty.

Diagnosing a Diaphragmatic Hernia

On examination, vets will listen to the chest, looking for abnormal respiratory sounds or signs of trauma such as bruising. The respiratory rate is often elevated when lung expansion is compromised.

Chest X-rays, usually performed with light sedation to keep the cat calm yet breathing voluntarily, are the definitive diagnostic tool. They reveal displaced abdominal organs in the chest cavity and assess the hernia severity.

Treatment Approach

Surgical repair is the only effective treatment. During surgery, the vet opens the abdomen to inspect the hernia, carefully repositions affected organs, and sutures the diaphragm muscle to close the tear. The cat is carefully monitored and ventilated artificially throughout the procedure.

Prior to closing the cat up, vets check organ viability and may insert a needle into the chest to remove trapped air and restore normal lung pressure, which often improves breathing immediately.

Prognosis and Aftercare

With prompt surgery, most cats recover well, though healing takes time. Owners need to keep their cat calm and prevent jumping or strenuous activity during recovery to avoid re-injury.

Complications can arise if the injury is severe or if other trauma occurred, and some cats may not survive anaesthesia due to their fragile condition.

If your cat shows signs of breathing difficulty or you suspect trauma, contact your vet immediately to improve chances of survival.

Understanding Why Timely Veterinary Care Matters

Quick Answer: Diaphragmatic hernias require urgent veterinary evaluation, as early diagnosis and surgery greatly improve survival and reduce complications.

Early detection can be challenging, as symptoms may be subtle initially. However, careful veterinary examination and diagnostic imaging help identify the hernia and plan timely surgery. Delaying treatment risks organ damage and severe respiratory compromise, which can be fatal.

Promoting Responsible Cat Care and Safety

Preventing traumatic injuries that cause diaphragmatic hernias is part of responsible ownership. Keeping cats indoors or in secure outdoor areas helps minimise risks of road traffic accidents and falls.

If you are seeking a kitten or cat to add to your family, consider adopting from reputable kittens available through trusted sources who prioritise health and welfare. Responsible breeding and rehoming help provide healthy cats less prone to congenital and other health challenges.

Remember, a cat's health depends on vigilant care, regular vet check-ups, and safety precautions to avoid potentially life-threatening conditions like diaphragmatic hernias.