An Updated Review on the Diaphragmatic Hernia in Bovines

Diaphragmatic hernia is a common surgical condition in buffaloes but is occasionally recorded in cattle. A high hospital occurrence of diaphragmatic hernia in buffaloes raises a concern and a thought on the aetiology, as it affects the socio-economic status of the farmer. Scientific literature published to date could not establish any definitive aetiology of diaphragmatic hernia in bovines. However, it is also definitive that diaphragmatic hernia is not a congenital condition as the symptoms start appearing not before one year of age. Some anatomical factors listed specifically for buffaloes may also add to the aetiology other than the foreign body, advanced stage of pregnancy, or recent calving. Being a slow-progressing and non-infectious condition, early diagnostic and prognostic factors based on clinical, imaging and haemato-biochemical parameters and the selection of cases for surgical intervention are important. The article reviews the literature, when it was first time diagnosed, its global incidence, etiological factors and advancement in the diagnostic modalities, anaesthetic and surgical treatment methods, productive and reproductive outcomes and future directions.