Changes

In most acute cases, animals must be stabilised before the tear in the diaphragm can be repaired surgically.  This may involve the following steps:

In most acute cases, animals must be stabilised before the tear in the diaphragm can be repaired surgically.  This may involve the following steps:

*Provision of '''oxygen''' to dyspnoeic animals, using a mask, flow-by or intra-nasal catheter.

*Provision of '''oxygen''' to dyspnoeic animals, using a mask, flow-by or intra-nasal catheter.

*'''Pleurocentesis''' if pleural effusion or pneumothorax are suspected.

*'''[[Pleurocentesis]]''' if pleural effusion or pneumothorax are suspected.

*Keeping the animal in '''sternal recumbency''' to allow more efficient thoracic excursion.

*Keeping the animal in '''sternal recumbency''' to allow more efficient thoracic excursion.

*'''Gastric decompression''' by orogastric tube or percutaneously if the stomach is though to be dilated.

*'''Gastric decompression''' by orogastric tube or percutaneously if the stomach is though to be dilated.