View source for Pericardio-Peritoneo-Diaphragmatic Hernia (PPDH) - WikiClinical

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Common pericardial congenital defect in dogs & cats
===Description===

Pericardio-Peritoneo-Diaphragmatic Hernia (PPDH) is a congenital abnormality characterized by the incomplete formation of the diaphragm.  The incomplete formation allows for a section of the diaphragm to remain patent allowing abdominal contents (e.g. intestines, liver) to move into the thoracic cavity and eventually into the pericardial sac.


===Diagnosis===

====History & Clinical Signs====

-Asymptomatic

-Vomiting

-Diarrhea

-Abdominal Pain

-Anorexia

-Weight Loss

-Shock


====Physical Exam====

-Empty Abdomen on palpation

-Quiet Heart Sounds

-Gut sounds around the heart (If gut is herniated)

===Radiography====

-Enlarged cardiac silhouette

-Intestines in the pericardial sac (seen best with barium swallow)


===Echocardiography====

-Abdominal organs in the pericardial sac


===Treatment===

-Surgical closure of the defect


===Prognosis===

-Good with surgery