Pneumopericardium after peritoneopericardial diaphragmatic hernia repair in a dog

J Vet Cardiol. 2022 Oct:43:101-103. doi: 10.1016/j.jvc.2022.08.002. Epub 2022 Aug 22.

Abstract

A one-year-old neutered, Goldendoodle presented for evaluation. One week prior to presentation, the surgical closure of a peritoneopericardial diaphragmatic hernia was performed via ventral midline celiotomy. Since the procedure, the dog had been lethargic and anorexic at home. Thoracic radiographs revealed a pneumopericardium. Pericardiocentesis was performed which evacuated approximately 100 mL of air from the pericardial sac. The dog recovered well and began eating in the hospital and resumed normal activity. This is the first reported case of a pneumopericardium post-peritoneopericardial diaphragmatic hernia repair requiring pericardiocentesis. Clinicians should be aware of this rare complication in patients with post-operative peritoneopericardial diaphragmatic hernia.

Keywords: Congenital; Pericardial disease; Surgery.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Diaphragm
  • Dog Diseases* / diagnostic imaging
  • Dog Diseases* / etiology
  • Dog Diseases* / surgery
  • Dogs
  • Hernia, Diaphragmatic* / diagnostic imaging
  • Hernia, Diaphragmatic* / surgery
  • Hernia, Diaphragmatic* / veterinary
  • Pericardium
  • Pneumopericardium* / diagnostic imaging
  • Pneumopericardium* / etiology
  • Pneumopericardium* / veterinary