Abstract

Background:
Peritoneopericardial hernias (PPHs) are defects of ccontnuity between the diaphragm and the peritoneum that allow the transposition of abdominal organs into the thoracic cavity, which can lead to clinical, gastroenterological, and respiratory problems such as vomiting, dyspneia and tachypnea. They can be congenital and patients can develop clinical signs at a young age, or can be diagnosed latter as incidental finding when no complications are developed. Furthermore, other malformations, like criptorquidism and cardiac interventricular communication can be present together with congenital HPP.

Case Description:
This article reports a case of PPH in association with ventricular septal defect (VSD) in a pediatric canine patient. The dog, a female Shih tzu with two months presented cyanosis, low weight, decreased body condition score (III/IX) and underdevelopment in comparison with other puppies of the same litter. At physical examination all parameters were whithin normal range, however there was a murmur at the base of the heart during auscultation, and echocardiographic examination displayed VSD. Due to the dyspnea, thoracic radiographic eexaminationwas performed and confirmed the suspicion of PPH. Peritoneopericardial hernioplasty was indicated for the two months old patient. During the surgical procedure, it was not necessary to enter the thoracic cavity in order to close the defect, and the suture was performed trough the abdominal cavity accessed in the sub-xiphoidal region. Even with the high risks of the procedure no intraoperative or anesthetic complications occurred.

Conclusion:
The hernioplasty was considered a success, the patient presented increased development, and body condition score improvement, with the surgical procedure resolving all signs of respiratory distress.

Key words: Congenital malformation, Cyanosis, Hernia, Surgery, Ventricular septal defect