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