Dear Redditor vets,

My question is if you'd recommend sugery for diaphragmatic hernia in the following scenario:

• cat, 9-10 months, not neutered, stray/unknown breed, unknown weight
• I found a stray kitten a while ago and noticed heavy breathing. I took it to 2 vets and both confirmed that he has diaphragmatic hernia. Most likely it has been around 5-6 months after the traumatic event that caused the hernia. He has been doing fine the last 2-3 months - no heavy breathing, he eats more, he's playful, very affectionate. I really don't think he's suffering. However, the vet is telling me that he IS suffering, considering his X-Rays, and that even if his surgery doesn't go well, it's for the better for him to be put down and not suffer any more. I'm on the fence here - I think I've known cats long enough to tell if they're suffering or not and I really don't think he is now. I hate the idea of putting him through this surgery and potentially shortening his life but, on the other hand, he could suffer later and die in a very painful way.
• no clinical signs at the moment
• location: Eastern Europe

His x-ray: https://ibb.co/vQyS8Lq

Thank you for taking the time to respond. This surgery is keeping me up at night 😔