Patient
Kalamity, 3 year old Olicat.

Presenting Complaint
Uncomfortable, reclusive, and eating poorly for past few days.  Throughout life, excitement produced short, rapid breathing pattern.  Referring veterinarian had diagnosed a mass behind the heart, possibly a diaphragmatic hernia.  Our radiographs and ultrasonagraphy were supportive of a congenital peritoneal-pericardial hernia, however this was not definitive.  A mass in the chest behind the heart would have typically been approached by going through the chest from the side.  In contrast a hernia would be best repaired by a midline approach in the abdomen.

Endoscopic Technique
A 5 mm laparoscope was placed into the abdomen and the diaphragm examined.  A peritoneal-pericardial hernia was diagnosed.  A laparotomy was performed and the hernia repaired.

Benefits of using endoscopy
Laparoscopy insured that the appropriate procedure was performed, rather than inappropriately performing a thoracotomy as the initial approach.

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