Clinico-haematobiochemical Evaluation of Diaphragmatic Hernia and its Surgical Management in Cattle and Buffaloes-A Retrospective Study of 32 Cases

Background: Diaphragmatic hernia is an emerging threat in dairy animals due to accidental ingestion of potential foreign body via feed or fodder leads to traumatic reticulo pericarditis and net results into loss of milk production. Loss of milk production due to diaphragmatic hernia in dairy animals is worrying situation among the milkman and it needs to be addressed in early stage. Considering the livelihood of poor to marginal farmers on dairy animals, the present study aimed to evaluate the clinico-haematological changes and surgical management of diaphragmatic hernia in cattle and buffalo.Methods: The present retrospective study was carried in thirty two clinical cases of diaphragmatic hernia in cattle (17) and buffaloes (15) presented to teaching veterinary clinical complex from the rural area irrespective breeds, age and no. of lactation of animals. Result: The incidence was higher in recently parturited followed by advanced pregnant animals aged between 3.5-14 years (7.109 & PLUSMN;0.406) with duration of illness ranged between 4-35 days (16.563 & PLUSMN;1.627). All animals showed recurrent tympany, suspended rumination, constipation, neutrophilia, alkaline ruminal pH, lymphopenia and increased level of muscle enzymes and non-responsive to medicinal therapy. Plain radiography of thoraco-abdominal region showed break in continuity of diaphragmatic line and herniation of reticulum into thoracic cavity. All animals were subjected to surgical correction of diaphragmatic hernia under isoflurane general anaesthesia. Out of 32, 27 animals were recovered uneventfully and remaining five animals were succumbed during surgical repair of hernia due to cardiovascular failure. The present study concludes that, diaphragmatic hernia is common wasting disorders in dairy animals characterized by scanty faeces, recurrent tympany, neutrophilia, increased level of muscle enzymes due to chronic inflammatory changes and it can be treated successfully with herniorrhaphy under isoflurane general anaesthesia.