Insuficiência hepática associada a hérnia diafragmática em equino (Equus caballus)

Abstract

Diaphragmatic hernias in horses are rare and difficult to diagnose conditions, usually associated with colic. This study aimed to report and discuss a case of pleuroperitoneal diaphragmatic hernia in an adult Mangalarga Marchador horse, emphasizing clinical, laboratory, necropsy, and histopathological findings. The animal exhibited behavioral changes, motor incoordination, head pressing, transient cortical blindness, and seizures, progressing rapidly to death. Necropsy revealed herniation of the right hepatic lobe into the thoracic cavity, associated with lesions consistent with severe hepatic failure. Histopathological analysis showed hepatic cirrhosis, cholestasis with ductal proliferation, hepatocellular necrosis, and Alzheimer type II astrocytes, characterizing hepatic encephalopathy. Laboratory tests confirmed hepatobiliary impairment. This report highlights that, in addition to the classical signs of colic, diaphragmatic hernia may also present with neurological signs secondary to hepatic encephalopathy and should be considered in the differential diagnosis of horses with severe liver disease and neurological disorders.