Surgery For Marci?

No, at least for now. We saw Dr. Lenehan at Veterinary Surgical Specialists in San Diego today for a consultation. He felt the diaphragmatic hernia is the result of trauma as a young kitten, from a significant incident such as being kicked. Because we couldn't see any of her diaphragm on ultrasound, the hole is pretty large, so it would be a big deal to repair; until she's actually in surgery, we don't really know the extent of the damage she has. Depending on its size, it would be closed by using the tissue already there, or grafting in mesh to fill the hole (that's how they repair hernias in people). There is also a procedure to graft in abdominal muscle to make a new diaphragm.

Wow! None of those seem like simple options. There is also the question of post-op recovery, and whether the nerves are actually there to function at all. As a vet tech, I've cared for several cats through the years who have had diaphragmatic hernia repairs, and it's several days of intensive care with oxygen support, chest tubes, and round-the-clock supervision. It's definitely not a kitten's idea of a good time, especially when she's not feeling bad.

We've decided to let her live the happy life she's currently enjoying. How can you tell a kitten who is running laps through the house that she needs to stop, and have a surgery which she stands a good chance of not surviving? It was not a simple decision, but we will take it day-by-day and reevaluate the situation if she does start having breathing difficulty. We don't know if that's days or months down the road, so we will give her the best, most mellow lifestyle we can ~ she's still a kitten so wish us luck on the mellow part!