Skip to content

Respiratorias

Diaphragmatic hernia

A tear in the diaphragm (the muscle that separates the chest from the abdomen), which allows abdominal organs to pass into the chest and compress the lungs. Almost always caused by trauma.

Veterinary emergency🐕 Dogs🐈 Cats

This may be a veterinary emergency

EMERGENCY: difficulty breathing after a blow or road accident needs immediate veterinary attention.

Symptoms to watch for

  • Difficulty breathing, rapid breathing
  • Exercise intolerance
  • Pale or bluish gums
  • Posture adopted to breathe more easily: standing, neck extended
  • History of a blow or road accident

Causes

Trauma (being hit by a car, a fall, a heavy blow) that tears the diaphragm. It can also be congenital.

Diagnosis

Chest X-ray or ultrasound, which shows abdominal organs inside the chest.

Treatment

SURGERY to reposition the organs and repair the diaphragm. The animal is stabilised first. It is an emergency.

Prevention

Prevent accidents and road injuries.

When should you see the vet?

EMERGENCY: difficulty breathing after a blow or road accident needs immediate veterinary attention.

WetAi guides you and takes you to the vet; it does not diagnose.

Notice: this information is for general guidance and educational purposes only. It does NOT replace diagnosis or treatment by a registered veterinary surgeon. If you notice any symptoms, always consult a professional. Wallapets accepts no responsibility for the use of this information without veterinary supervision.