Originally Posted by twofifty

Yes, bullet damage to the diaphragm would have to be quite limited in area, otherwise the pump will have lost its prime. With a ruptured diaphragm that elk has drawn its last breath, no matter how much help it gets from its rib muscles.

Perhaps with a small hole, the abdominal organ 'stuff' would keep 're-sealing and re-priming' the pump at the stuff is drawn into the lungs.

Most of the above is speculation on my part.