Gastric dilatation and volvulus in thorax of a cat

Abstract

In this report, a case of gastric dilatation and volvulus (GDV), which was developed after a traumatic diaphragmatic hernia in a cat, has been described. This cat was brought to the emergency clinic at the Animal Hospital, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine Bursa Uludağ University, with signs of acute dyspnea, left-sided thoracic distension, and lameness. On clinical examination, heart sounds on the right side were more pronounced and audible than on the left. On radiographic examination, loss of the regular diaphragm line, shift of the heart to the right, and shadow of the excessive gas-containing stomach were observed in the thoracic cavity. The cat's current severe respiratory distress was managed with oxygen administration, intravenous fluid therapy, and relief of diaphragmatic pressure by utilizing stomach decompression with a needle. Despite all interventions, the cat died during the operation. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of gastric dilatation and volvulus (GDV) entering the thoracic cavity in cats. This case report highlights the significance of an overall examination in patients with diaphragmatic hernia and respiratory distress.