Diaphragmatic hernia involving gravid uterus in a dog

A 4-year German Shorthair Pointer pregnant dog was presented for severe tachypnea and depression. She had 1 natural breeding 52 days ago. Diaphragmatic hernia with intrathoracic displacement of the uterus was diagnosed via radiography and ultrasonography. Emergency herniorrhaphy was elected and the owner requested to save the litter if possible. Right uterine horn tip, spleen, part of liver, pancreas, and part of greater omentum were in the thorax. Intraoperative transuterine ultrasonography confirmed live fetuses and pregnancy was permitted to continue. Patient received supportive medical care for 3 days. Based on ultrasonography findings (eminent danger to litter), decision was made to perform an emergency cesarean surgery (56 days after breeding). Six of 11 pups were alive and 1 mummified fetus had an elongated neck (perhaps due to entrapment in the diaphragmatic hernia).