I don't have much to do with this topic, but could what you're experiencing be linked to some kind of bone damage? Forgive me for bringing up an example from the animal kingdom that reminded me of your situation. Perhaps there is a connection. Consider this:
Diaphragmatic hernia. Is there anything more unsettling?
My 1.5-year-old male cat lives in an apartment but goes outdoors. He isn't neutered. About a week ago, he returned from being out for 24 hours looking perfectly fine. After eating, he stayed indoors, but the next day we noticed him straining intensely in his litter box without any success. A few hours later, he had severe diarrhea. His urination seemed normal. Over the following 24 hours, his condition deteriorated; he became lethargic, apathetic, and showed clear signs of abdominal pain when touched. We took him to the vet. An initial X-ray showed nothing unusual, so he was given contrast, and they repeated the X-ray the following day.
The vet gave us the diagnosis: a ruptured or congenital diaphragm issue has caused intestinal displacement toward the lungs. The colon was full of waste. They recommended surgery to repair the diaphragm, which would have to be done in Austin because intubation is required. Success—or rather, survival—isn't guaranteed. With some paraffin oil, the cat finally had a normal bowel movement yesterday (stool was firm, no blood, no worms, no hair). He’s eating and drinking, though he prefers high-quality canned food or raw turkey over his old kibble. Does anyone have experience with this? Should I follow the surgical recommendation or is there another way? Also, is he in pain, and would surgery actually restore his quality of life? Euthanasia is off the table unless the pain becomes unmanageable.
The diaphragm is the massive muscle that separates the chest cavity from the abdominal organs. By contracting and relaxing, it shifts the volume within the chest to drive air in and out of the lungs. Is breathing even possible without a functional diaphragm? It is entirely dependent on it.
A ruptured diaphragm can cause a sudden spike in abdominal pressure, resulting in what is known as a hernia. This pressure surge typically stems from blunt force trauma to the abdomen—most often from car accidents, though falls from heights or dog attacks can also trigger it. Congenital diaphragmatic defects, such as pericardoperitoneal, hiatal, or the extremely rare pleuroperitoneal hernias, are seldom seen in cats. Is it even worth discussing such rare cases?
What are the types of diaphragmatic hernia?
Traumatic diaphragmatic hernia occurs when the abdominal muscle wall ruptures due to severe impact or a heavy fall. When intra-abdominal pressure forces contents through this breach into the chest cavity, the lungs face immediate compression. This structural failure prevents the muscle from contracting normally, making breathing difficult. Is there any way around such damage?
Congenital diaphragmatic hernia occurs when kittens are born with an incomplete abdominal muscle. It isn't a rupture; the muscle simply fails to form completely. This creates abnormal openings in the diaphragm. While this specific type is less common in cats than acquired versions, the diagnosis and treatment protocols remain essentially the same.
Clinical signs of an acquired diaphragmatic hernia can manifest immediately following trauma, or they may remain undetected for several weeks. In cases of congenital diaphragmatic hernia, symptoms might surface during early life or even much later in adulthood. The primary symptom is respiratory distress. The severity of this breathing difficulty depends on the extent of the damage, ranging from imperceptible to extreme exertion involving only abdominal muscle movement. In critical cases, the healthy pink color of the tongue, gums, and lips may turn bluish. If the hernia contains intestines or the stomach, expect vomiting, loss of appetite, and frequent constipation. This condition is painful. Beyond the initial muscle tear, the constant movement of the rib cage and abdomen during respiration creates pressure on internal organs like the stomach and intestines within the chest cavity, causing pain that also affects lung tissue. This is not a suggestion to consider euthanasia; rather, you should consult with your veterinarian to evaluate the best course of action for your pet's rapid recovery based on their specific findings.
A cat's health risk depends entirely on the size and placement of the abdominal hernia. A minor diaphragmatic hernia might go unnoticed while the cat lives a perfectly normal life. However, large hernias can trigger rapid symptoms and lead to death if treated too late. It is also common for a small opening to expand over time.
If you suspect a diaphragmatic hernia, seek veterinary help immediately. An X-ray provides an almost instant diagnosis.
Surgery is the only effective treatment. It should be performed once the cat's condition stabilizes so they can safely handle general anesthesia. The procedure closes the hole in the diaphragm and returns the abdominal organs to their proper place.
Based on what I know, specialists at the University of Pennsylvania Veterinary Teaching Hospital also utilize inhalation anesthesia, so you may want to contact them.
The mortality rate due to surgical complications or pre-operative issues is roughly 20%. Success depends heavily on the cat's initial health; unstable cats face much higher risks because the surgery itself adds significant stress.
Answered by: Dr. Sarah Miller, DVM, PetSmart Clinic, 5th Avenue, New York City
Source:
www.petsmartclinic.com