Kitten with Rare Condition Undergoes Successful Surgery
Oskar’s peritoneopericardial diaphragmatic hernia caused his liver and gallbladder to slip into his pericardium
In an extraordinary turn of events, a beautiful British Shorthair kitten named Oskar has been granted a second chance at life thanks to the team at Lumbry Park Veterinary Specialists.
The seven-month-old kitten underwent lifesaving surgery after a congenital condition caused the displacement of some of his internal organs.
Oskar was initially treated at his local practice for lethargy and a reduced appetite. After his breathing worsened, an ultrasound revealed some of his abdominal organs had moved into his thoracic cavity and Oskar was urgently referred to Lumbry Park Veterinary Specialists.
Upon arrival, specialist vets carried out a comprehensive evaluation, including a CT scan of Oskar’s thorax and abdomen, and confirmed a diagnosis of peritoneopericardial diaphragmatic hernia (PPDH), an uncommon congenital defect of the diaphragm. This defect allowed Oskar’s liver and gallbladder to slip into the pericardium, occupying the space needed by his lungs to expand properly.
Saving Oskar involved a coordinated effort by the whole team, from top surgical specialists through to referral nurses and PCA’s. The complex surgery included a specialist clinician, a surgical resident, and a surgical intern. During the hour-long operation, the surgeons skilfully repositioned Oskar’s misplaced organs back into their proper place in the abdomen and repaired the diaphragm using portions of the pericardium. Oskar was kept stable throughout thanks to the brilliant team of specialist anaesthetists, which is one of the largest in the UK.
After the operation, Oskar was closely monitored day and night by the nursing team and was reunited with his owner three days later. A follow-up appointment was performed a couple of weeks later, Oskar was breathing normally and back to his playful self.
Specialist Nuria Comas, who led the team, remarked on the severity of Oskar’s condition:
“Oskar’s condition is well described in the literature, although it is not our typical everyday case. I was very pleased to have such a brilliant team around me meaning that surgery went well, and Oskar had such a quick recovery. His prognosis regarding this condition should be excellent!”
Founded in 2015, Lumbry Park Veterinary Specialists is one of the largest and most advanced veterinary specialist referral centres in the UK. With state-of-the-art facilities and employing some of the UK’s leading veterinary specialists, Lumbry Park offers a wide range of veterinary services, including anaesthesia and analgesia, cardiology, critical care, dermatology, imaging, internal medicine, neurology, oncology, ophthalmology, orthopaedics, physiotherapy, and soft tissue surgery.