Andy - Diaphragmatic Hernia
Andy was a 2-year-old cat that was treated at AAE after being hit by a car. When Andy presented, he was in severe respiratory distress and required immediate intensive care. He was placed in a warming incubator where he received oxygen therapy, IV fluids and various medications for treatment of shock. Radiographs showed the source of the respiratory distress to be a diaphragmatic hernia (a tear in the diaphragm, the diaphragm is the partition separating the contents of the chest from the contents of the abdomen and is vital in respiratory function). During attempts to stabilize Andy for surgery to repair his diaphragm, it became evident that his condition was deteriorating and emergency surgery was necessary.
The hernia was successfully repaired with surgery and careful anesthetic monitoring, but Andy still faced a long recovery. Over the course of his week-long hospitalization, Andy required a whole blood transfusion, a chest tube, and continued oxygen therapy. Finally, after several days of 24 hour intensive nursing care, Andy improved and was discharged to his family’s care where he made a complete recovery.