Do you know what a hiatal hernia is? If your dog has been diagnosed with one, you're probably wondering what that means for them and what treatment options are available. In this post, we'll discuss the symptoms of a hiatal hernia in dogs and outline some of the most common treatment options. Keep reading to learn more!

What is a hiatal hernia in dogs?

A hiatal hernia in dogs is a condition when part of the stomach protrudes through the diaphragm and into the chest. The diaphragm is a muscle that separates the chest cavity from the abdomen and helps to keep the stomach in place.

Congenital hiatal hernias occur most frequently in brachycephalic dogs such as bulldogs and the majority of affected dogs are less than a year of age at the time of diagnosis.

With a hiatal hernia in dogs, comorbidities are common. Megaesophagus and aspiration pneumonia are the most frequently reported conditions associated with hiatal hernias.

What are the symptoms of a hiatal hernia in dogs?

The most common symptom of a hiatal hernia in dogs is regurgitation, which is when food is brought up from the stomach and then expelled through the mouth. This can happen shortly after eating or drinking and without warning.

Other symptoms of hiatal hernias in dogs can include:

  • Hypersalivation
  • Gagging
  • Vomiting
  • Difficulty eating (dysphagia)

If your dog is experiencing any of these symptoms, it's important to take them to your veterinarian for an examination.

What causes a hiatal hernia in dogs?

A hiatal hernia in dogs is a result of either congenital or acquired factors.

Congenital hiatal hernias

The congenital form is more frequent and is typically seen in brachycephalic dog breeds at a young age. Congenital sliding hiatal hernias in dogs are the result of an incomplete diaphragmatic fusion during early embryonic development.

Acquired hiatal hernias

There are several possible causes of the development of the acquired form of a hiatal hernia in dogs, including chronic vomiting, disorders causing respiratory distress (e.g. brachycephalic airway syndrome) and trauma.

Furthermore, herniation associated with chronic vomiting occurs because the stomach muscles are not able to keep the stomach contents in place. Trauma can damage the diaphragmatic nerves and muscles, leading to increased muscle laxity. Respiratory distress secondary to airway obstruction or brachycephalic syndrome may cause acquired hiatal hernias because of increased negative intrathoracic pressure.

How is a hiatal hernia diagnosed in dogs?

As the hiatal hernia in dogs can be intermittent, diagnosis can be challenging. Your veterinarian will rely on a thorough clinical history combined with a detailed physical examination to start.

A barium contrast x-ray series can be beneficial and help confirm the diagnosis. It is important that your veterinarian times the barium series strategically so that the barium-filled esophagus can be assessed.

If a hiatal hernia is strongly suspected based on clinical history but not identified on preliminary tests, videofluoroscopy is often recommended. Essentially, fluoroscopy is a real-time x-ray in which veterinarians can watch the movement of barium as it travels through the esophagus. This allows for visualization of a hiatal hernia that may not be apparent on regular x-rays.

What is the treatment for a hiatal hernia in dogs?

Dogs that are asymptomatic or have only mild clinical signs may not need therapy. Surgery is generally indicated for dogs with congenital hiatal hernias and those with significant clinical signs.

The surgery involves reducing and closing the hernia while performing a gastropexy to prevent future recurrence. A gastropexy is when the stomach is sutured to the body wall inside the abdomen to prevent it from sliding through the hernia and into the chest.

What is the prognosis for dogs with a hiatal hernia?

The prognosis is generally good for dogs that have surgery to correct a hiatal hernia. However, aspiration pneumonia is a common complication and can be fatal if not treated promptly. For this reason, it's important to monitor your dog closely for any clinical signs after surgery.

A hiatal hernia in dogs is when the stomach can freely move through the diaphragm and into the chest. Hiatal hernias in dogs can be congenital or acquired but the congenital form is more common. While some dogs with a hiatal hernia are asymptomatic, common symptoms are regurgitation or vomiting, hypersalivation, gagging and difficulty eating. While some dogs can be managed with medical therapy, surgery is recommended for the congenital form of hiatal hernia in dogs and the prognosis is generally good. If you have any questions about hiatal hernias in dogs, please contact your veterinarian.