Tanner
Diaphragmatic Hernia
Four-month-old Tanner had been with his new family for just 10 days when he became lethargic and far less active than normal. He had vomited several times at home and could not keep food or water down. Tanner was a typical puppy who liked to graze outside and had had rocks in his mouth on occasion, but he had not been known to have ingested anything specific recently.
X-rays were taken, which revealed what appeared to be two rocks that were small enough to pass on their own and some increased gas but he would not need surgery. However, Dr. Severson was concerned because Tanner’s stomach was painful and appeared to be shifted, and in addition due to all of the vomiting needed IV fluids and monitoring so he remained in the hospital overnight and x-rays would be taken again.
When reviewing the x-rays later that evening, the doctors got a bit of a surprise. Tanner had a diaphragmatic hernia, some of his intestines were sneaking into his chest cavity. Due to the lack of a trauma to the area, this was most likely a congenital defect that would require surgery. Dr. Javier Gallegos successfully corrected the congenital problem and Tanner was doing much better once everything was back to where it belonged.
After some TLC and rest, Tanner began to regain his energy and was well on the road to recovery. He did not look too happy about having to wear a cone, though.