Diaphragmatic Hernea

[Barbara]

Over a week ago Penny came in from outside and threw up and started acting very lethargic,  I stayed with her though the night and the next morning and the next few days she was fine.  About 5 days later my children returned from vacation and she greeted them with a warm welcome.  A few minutes later she beccame lethargic again and vomited a few times.  She sat bent over or leaned against the couch to stand up.  It was a Sunday so I took her to the animal hospital.  They looked at her gums and they were completely white.  They did blood work to see if had eaten anything poisonous it came back negative.  Then they did a xray that showed she had a diaphrahmatic hernea.  The short minutes that I was there she became critical and she needed emergency surgery without it she would die, even the surgery would be risky.  She had  to stay at the hospital for three days which was the critical time.  She is home now. It is hard to keep her still she wants to play.  Her appetite isnt that great and she must be watched closely for the next 10 days.i

From what I understand a diaphragmatic hernea is from the result of trauma or genectic.  Penny is almost 6 months old, she is like my shadow and has no trauma since I have had her.  The surgeon told me it could be genectic, or something could have happened when she was a baby, [possibley the mother stepping on her or something.  From what I understand it is very rare, and sometimes doesnt show up right away and when it did there was no warning and is deadly.  The surgeon felt he corrected the problem .  My hopes that Penny will get healthy and have a normal life, Because it came on so fast I am afraid for everything she does.

Has anyone else had anything like this before and what is the prognosis.  I will be taking her next week o be checked and I hope all is well.  Going forward I am sure I will act as quick as I can on anything that happens.  

[Carolyn Shusterman]

Barbara, Call Penny's breeder to let them know about what has happened and ask if they have ever heard of this before.  Maybe the litter mates should be on the lookout for this.  Was Penny sold to you with a health guarantee against genectic defects?  My thoughts and prayers will be with Penny for a complete recovery.  You must be besides yourself with worry, I know I would be.

[Christine & Camus]

I have no experience with this but wanted to say that I am glad you reacted so quickly.  Penny is a very lucky doodle.  I hope she continues to do well.

[Nicky, Riley & Boris]

I often watch Animal A&E and I am imagining what you went through sounds just like that.  Such a traumatic experience and so lucky that you were in the right place when it became critical.  I don't know anything about this condition but just to say I hope that Penny makes a full recovery and that you will not have to worry about this again.  I do agree about contacting the breeder. Did you have insurance?  I can imagine that this was very expensive and the sort of thing I dread happening.

[Sue & Lily Grace]

Barbara, I am so sorry Penny has had this problem. You must be worn out and so worried. I agree, you have to het the breeder know so others can keep a look out. I hope Penny heals completely and you both can enjoy the rest of her puppy years without anymore drama.

[Barbara]

I have notified the breeder and hope to talk more extensively. yes she was sold with a health guarantee and will be discussed That is my concern with other puppies and other liters.  I don't want anyone to go through what I did  No, I didnt have insurance and it was extremely difficult to figuire it all out in five minutes.  , I was lucky to have taken her to a hospital rather than just going to my vet as they were able to do the surgery there.  Penny is a very Lucky dog, I have only had her for a few months but she is a affectionate loving dog. 

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I'm so sorry you and Penny had to go through this. Congenital diaphragmatic hernias are very rare, but the good news is that with surgical repair, the prognosis is excellent. I hope Penny has a full and  uneventful recovery.

[F, Calla & Luca]

I am sorry to hear this but delighted Penny made it through the surgery. She should recover well. Here is an article on the condition: http://www.petmd.com/dog/conditions/cardiovascular/c_multi_diaphrag...

[Carolyn Shusterman]

F, Thank you for this very informative article.  I hadn't heard of of Diaphragmatic hernias in dogs.  After reading the site info, I see Weimeraners and Cocker Spaniel dogs may be predisposed for this problem.