Surgical Repair of a Diaphragmatic Tear in a Thoroughbred Broodmare

A 9-year-old multiparous Thoroughbred broodmare presented for evaluation of acute signs of colic. The patient had a 4-month history of poor appetite, weight loss, and decreased body condition after parturition, despite appropriate feeding by the farm to minimize weight loss associated with increased nutrient requirements. The patient was diagnosed with a diaphragmatic hernia through transabdominal and thoracic ultrasonography. The diaphragmatic hernia was repaired surgically under general anesthesia.