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My dog's hiatal hernia: born with it, treatment, and diagnosis?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Pug | Female | spayed | 8 years and 2 months old | 14.5 lbs

Hi can you tell me about hiatus hernias Is it something a dogs born with or is it something that can spontaneously occur ? Do they always require surgery or are there degrees of them ? Can they be seen on an x ray ? Or does it need an endoscopy? Thanks

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Daniela Jessen, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on January 2nd, 2019

onHi,
I will try and cover all the questions about Hiatal Hernia (HH) you have:
In most veterinary patients, hiatal herniA (HH) appears to be a congenital or birth defect. Brachycephalic dogs (those with a shortened nose such as English Bulldogs, French Bulldogs and Pugs) are at an increased risk. Trauma can also cause a HH but much less likely.
Diagnosis of HH is most commonly done via fluoroscopy (a moving x-ray study) using radiographic dye. Esophagoscopy and gastroscopy may also be performed.
In general treatment options include conservative medical treatment and surgical repair. Medical treatment aims to control clinical signs with with medication, diet changes, and supplements. This will probably reduce the frequency of the clinical signs but may not alleviate the condition. In many cases medical management is attempted initially (around 30 days), but if non-responsive then surgical repair will be done.
Bear in mind the information given is general without knowing the specifics of your individual case.
Hope that's help.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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