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Home / Equine Research Bank / Can Vet J / Diaphragmatic herniation in the horse: 31 cases from 2001-20...
The Canadian veterinary journal = La revue veterinaire canadienne2011; 51(11); 1247-1250;

Diaphragmatic herniation in the horse: 31 cases from 2001-2006.

Abstract: Diaphragmatic rent and visceral herniation in the horse is seldom diagnosed, but historically carries a poor prognosis. The objective of this study was to document the presentation and surgical management of all diaphragmatic rents as presented to 2 referral institutions over a 5-year period. A review of 31 cases demonstrated that even with advances in surgical management of abdominal and thoracic conditions, little has been done to change the prognosis for this condition. Success rate was 23% for all horses presented for colic and were ultimately diagnosed with a diaphragmatic hernia, and 46% for those cases for which surgical management was elected. La déchirure diaphragmatique et l’hernie viscérale sont rarement diagnostiquées chez le cheval, mais elles présentent historiquement un pronostic défavorable. L’objectif de cette étude a été de documenter la présentation et la gestion chirurgicale de toutes les déchirures diaphragmatiques telles que présentées à 2 établissements spécialisés pendant une période de 5 ans. Un examen de 31 cas a démontré que, même avec des progrès au niveau de la gestion chirurgicale des états abdominaux et thoraciques, peu a été réalisé pour modifier le pronostic de cet état. Le taux de réussite était de 23 % pour tous les chevaux présentés pour des coliques et recevant un diagnostic d’hernie diaphragmatique et de 46 % pour les cas pour lesquels la gestion chirurgicale avait été choisie. (Traduit par Isabelle Vallières)
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Publication Date: 2011-02-03 PubMed ID: 21286324PubMed Central: PMC2957032
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  • Journal Article

Summary

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The research article reports on a study of 31 cases of diaphragmatic herniation in horses over a five-year period, documenting the presentation of this condition and its surgical management. The study found little improvement in prognosis despite advances in surgical management, with a success rate of 23% for horses diagnosed with a diaphragmatic hernia and 46% for cases where surgical management was chosen.

Diaphragmatic Herniation in Horses

  • The study observed and reported on diaphragmatic herniation in horses, a condition that is rarely diagnosed but historically has a poor prognosis. Diaphragmatic herniation, sometimes referred to as “diaphragmatic rent,” involves internal organs protruding through a tear in the diaphragm, creating a visceral hernia. This can cause severe discomfort and health problems for the horse.
  • Over a period of five years, the researchers compiled information from two veterinary referral institutions, providing a substantial data set for a condition that is otherwise seldom seen or studied.

Findings in Surgical Management

  • Despite recent advances in the surgical management of thoracic and abdominal conditions in horses, this study found little improvement in the prognosis of diaphragmatic herniation.
  • The surgical success rate for horses that were diagnosed with a diaphragmatic hernia after presenting symptoms of colic was 23%. This highlights the significant challenges and poor outcomes associated with this condition, even under the care of specialists.
  • Of the cases where surgical management was elected as the treatment method, the success rate was higher at 46%. This suggests that proactive surgical intervention might have improved outcomes, although the study does not provide definitive evidence of this.

Implications of the Study

  • Given the historically poor prognosis of diaphragmatic herniation in horses, the study underscores the need for further research and development of more effective treatments.
  • The low success rate despite advances in surgical management is a concern, suggesting that other therapeutic strategies may need to be explored.

Cite This Article

APA
Romero AE, Rodgerson DH. (2011). Diaphragmatic herniation in the horse: 31 cases from 2001-2006. Can Vet J, 51(11), 1247-1250.

Publication

The Canadian veterinary journal = La revue veterinaire canadienne
ISSN: 0008-5286
NlmUniqueID: 0004653
Country: Canada
Language: English
Volume: 51
Issue: 11
Pages: 1247-1250

Researcher Affiliations

Romero, Alfredo E
  • Davidson Surgery Center, Hagyard Equine Medical Institute, Lexington, KY 40505, USA. romeroae@gmail.com
Rodgerson, Dwayne H

    MeSH Terms

    • Animals
    • Colic / diagnosis
    • Colic / etiology
    • Colic / surgery
    • Colic / veterinary
    • Female
    • Hernia, Diaphragmatic / complications
    • Hernia, Diaphragmatic / diagnosis
    • Hernia, Diaphragmatic / surgery
    • Hernia, Diaphragmatic / veterinary
    • Horse Diseases / diagnosis
    • Horse Diseases / surgery
    • Horses
    • Male
    • Postoperative Complications / epidemiology
    • Postoperative Complications / veterinary
    • Prognosis
    • Retrospective Studies
    • Treatment Outcome

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    This article includes 15 references
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    Citations

    This article has been cited 3 times.
    1. Kolus CR, MacLeay JM, Hackett ES. Repair of an acquired diaphragmatic hernia with surgical mesh in a foal. Can Vet J 2017 Feb;58(2):145-148.
      pubmed: 28216683
    2. Tăbăran AF, Nagy AL, Cătoi C, Morar I, Tăbăran A, Mihaiu M, Bolfa P. Congenital diaphragmatic hernia with concurrent aplasia of the pericardium in a foal. BMC Vet Res 2015 Dec 30;11:309.
      doi: 10.1186/s12917-015-0623-2pubmed: 26715552google scholar: lookup
    3. Tharwat M, Al-Sobayil F. Equine colic: A comprehensive overview of the sonographic evaluation, diagnostic criteria, and management of different categories. Open Vet J 2025 Mar;15(3):1116-1139.
      doi: 10.5455/OVJ.2025.v15.i3.5pubmed: 40276205google scholar: lookup
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