. DATE: 8 JAN 2025
PATIENT: Domestic short-haired
cat, F, 5 years. Resident in Myanmar.
HISTORY: 6 months ago, the
cat was hit by a car. Difficulty in breathing for the past 6 months.
X-RAY: Diaphragmatic hernia.
2. DATE: 25 MAR
2025
Difficulty in breathing for the past week.
HISTORY: Had an
acquired diaphragmatic hernia diagnosed in Jan 2025.
No
treatment.
X-RAY: Diaphragmatic hernia and pregnant with 3 formed
kittens
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The thoracic cavity, also known as the chest cavity, is a hollow space within the thorax protected by the rib cage and diaphragm. It contains organs like the heart, lungs and major blood vessels. It does not contain the liver and spleen.
A diaphragmatic hernia in
cats occurs when abdominal organs push through a tear or opening in
the diaphragm which is the muscle separating the abdomen from the
chest cavity.
This hernia can be caused by trauma or be
congenital.
The pregnant cat has severe respiratory distress as you can see in the video.
NATURAL BIRTH OR CAESAREAN SECTION?atural birth or caesarean section (CS)?
Dr Thet had to decide.
High anaesthetic risk of death
if the cat has natural birth or caesarean section (CS). This is due
to the OPEN-MOUTH BREATHING indicating great breathing difficulty as
the lungs are not able to function normally. Part of the liver and
spleen press on the lungs obstructing its breathing movements.
Insufficient oxygen, therefore open-mouth breathing.
Dr Thet decided on natural
birth.
If the cat has very severe breathing problems during
natural birth, he would do a Caesarean section to save the three
kittens.
SUPPORTIVE THERAPY:
IV drip of glucose and normal saline was administered. Oxygen gas supplementation was administered to the cat.Oxytocin injection was given when the amniotic fluid was discharged.Three kittens were born naturally.
The cat was an in-patient
for one day to monitor her respiratory distress. She went home the
next day.
Oral vitamins were prescribed.
Dr Thet’s advices:1.
No depo progesterone injection should be given to the female cat when
she is on heat.
2. To separate the female cat from the male cats.
TO VIEW TWO OTHER VIDEOS
OF THIS CAT WITH BREATHING DIFFICULTIES FOR THE PAST 6 MONTHS:
Video
link_1
https://youtu.be/-R2QmRHZ5K8
Video
link_2
https://youtu.be/b5FVskHqnZQ
TO BUY PHOTOS OF THIS CAT,
KITTENS AND X-RAYS:
www.shutterstock.com/g/toapayohvets
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