Pericardio-Peritoneo-Diaphragmatic Hernia (PPDH) - WikiClinical

CARDIOLOGY ()Map CARDIOVASCULAR CONDITIONS (Map)

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