Background: This study focuses on diaphragmatic injuries in cats, especially cases of diaphragmatic rupture and herniation caused by severe trauma. The purpose of this study is to analyze radiological findings and evaluate abdominal organ displacement in confirmed cases registered at veterinary hospitals in Tehran. Methods: This descriptive-analytical study evaluated ۲۲ cats with suspected diaphragmatic hernia or rupture, referred to veterinary hospitals in western Tehran (۲۰۲۴–۲۰۲۵). Clinical assessments included respiration, heart rate, and body temperature, followed by three-view radiography (DV, right lateral, left lateral).
Ultrasonography was used to determine hernia type, rupture extent, and organ displacement. Stable cats underwent anesthesia and midline laparotomy for repair. Postoperative care involved antibiotics and supportive therapy, with monitoring for one week and weekly follow-ups. Results: In this retrospective study of ۲۵ cats with diaphragmatic ruptures (۲۲ had radiographs; ۲۱ had recorded rupture sides), the main causes were motor-vehicle trauma (۶۴%), high-rise syndrome (۲۷%), and congenital peritoneopericardial diaphragmatic hernia (۹%). Among ۲۱ cats with side data, ۱۶ ruptures were right-sided and ۵ left-sided. Survival rates were similar for right (۸۱.۳%) and left (۸۰.۰%) ruptures, with no significant difference in mortality (p = ۱.۰۰, OR = ۰.۹۲). Liver displacement into the chest occurred more in right-sided ruptures (۶۳%) than left-sided (۲۰%), but this was not statistically significant (p = ۰.۱۵). The average number of displaced organs was slightly higher on the right side but also not significant. Conclusion: Based on the findings, thorough
radiographic evaluation of the thoracic and abdominal cavities especially for right-sided diaphragmatic ruptures is crucial in cats after vehicular trauma. The liver is the most commonly herniated organ. Early diagnosis, stabilization, timely surgery, and careful postoperative follow-up are essential, as complications like shock, infection, and associated injuries significantly impact survival.
