Circumcostal duodenal and pancreatic herniation secondary to suspected penetrating stick injury in a dog

A 4‐year‐old, female, neutered German Shorthaired Pointer was presented for investigation of a fluctuant swelling, following surgical exploration of a presumed penetrating stick injury to the lateral thorax. The dog had intermittently re‐presented to the primary care practice for vomiting, dull demeanour and subcutaneous borborygmi, prompting referral for investigation 40 days post‐injury. Fractures to the 9th and 10th ribs were identified, with herniation of the descending duodenum and pancreas through the ninth intercostal space, travelling circumcostally around the 10th rib and entering the abdomen at the 10th intercostal space. The dog underwent surgical exploration, reduction of the herniation and repair of the abdominal wall defect. She recovered without complication and remained free of clinical signs 6 months post‐operatively.