Page 310 - Feline diagnostic imaging

316 19 Diaphragm

(b)

(a)

Figure 19.1 Lateral (a) and ventrodorsal (b) thoracic images of a cat presented for respiratory distress. The left dorsal half of the
diaphragm is effaced by soft tissue opacity that likely represents herniated left liver as well as some pleural effusion. The stomach (S)
and duodenum (d) are displaced cranial to the diaphragm. The cardiac silhouette is displaced dorsally, likely by herniated falciform fat.
Incidentally, a large amount of retroperitoneal fat surrounds the kidneys, and is seen in the cranial abdomen.

(b)

(a)

Figure 19.2 Lateral (a) and ventrodorsal (b) thoracic images of a 2-year-old cat presenting for increased respiratory effort and
muffled heart sounds during a yearly wellness exam. The cardiac silhouette is displaced to the right. The majority of the abdominal
contents are in the thoracic cavity. A small amount of pleural effusion is present.