LAUSR

Abstract The objective of this study was to describe clinical information associated with diaphragmatic hernias in rabbits and assess the effect of different treatments. Sixteen pet rabbits were included in this study. Sex, age at provisional diagnosis, clinical signs, results of various medical examinations, treatments, and prognosis were recorded. Evaluation included physical examination, radiography, ultrasonography, computed tomography, exploratory laparotomy, and histopathology. Females represented 15/16 cases. The age at diagnoses ranged from 2 to >10 years of age. The most common clinical sign was respiratory signs, and the majority of diaphragmatic hernias were right sided with right kidney herniation being the most common. Treatment options included surgical repair of the diaphragmatic hernias (N = 6), surgical treatment of other diseases (N = 4), and conservative management (N = 6). Surgical treatment of diaphragmatic hernia did not necessarily result in better outcome when compared to patients where surgical repair was declined. This is the first case series of rabbits with diaphragmatic hernias. Findings of interest that differ from those in other species include female sex predilection and the kidney as the most commonly herniated organ. Areas for further investigation include determining etiology and best course of treatment for rabbits with diaphragmatic hernia.