DIAGNOSIS AND SURGICAL OUTCOME OF DIAPHRAGMATIC HERNIORRHAPHY IN COWS

Diaphragmatic herniorrhaphy in cows

Abstract

A total of eight cows (2 Sahiwal, 4 Holstein Friesian crossbred and 2 Jersey crossbred) were diagnosed for diaphragmatic hernia using radiography and or ultrasonography in a period of 30 months. The cows were of 4 to 10 years of age. The 62.5% (n=5) cows had the history of bloat and 25% (n=2) were 4 and 7 months pregnant. The 50% cows had a common history of melena since varying days. Radiography was confirmatory in the diagnosis of diaphragmatic hernia. Potential foreign body of more than 2cm was diagnosed in 50% (n=4) cows on radiography.  Out of 8, only 4 cows (50%) were operated for hernia repair as per the owner’s consent. The surgery was done in 2 stages; rumenotomy with complete emptying of ruminal contents in standing local anaesthesia and herniorrhaphy on the next day under general anaesthesia through ventral cranial midline approach. Three out of 4 cows (75%) showed excellent surgical outcome on short term follow up, while one died during surgery.  One cow had reticular tear while breaking adhesions during herniorrhaphy and was reported with peritonitis at one month. The present report describes the clinical features, radiography, ultrasonography, treatment and outcome of cows suffering from diaphragmatic hernia.