Abstract

A two-month-old kitten was presented to TVCC, Mannuthy with dyspnoea and open mouth breathing. Auscultation of the thorax revealed muffled heart sounds. Radiography showed loss of normal diaphragmatic border, obscured cardiac silhouette and displaced gas filled intestinal loops into the thoracic cavity which were suggestive of diaphragmatic hernia. Under inhalant anaesthesia with intermittent positive pressure ventilation, was performed by cranial mid ventral celiotomy from umbilicus to the costo chondral arch. Lobes of liver along with intestinal loops were repositioned into abdominal cavity through diaphragmatic defect and the defect was successfully closed. Abdominal wall and skin were apposed in regular manner. The animal recovered uneventfully.

Keywords : Kitten, diaphragmatic hernia, herniorraphy, intermittent positive pressure ventilation