Hiatal Hernia in a Cat

Just like a human being, a cat can suffer from a hiatal hernia, which is a protrusion that forms when the stomach pushes through the opening of the diaphragm -- the point where the food pipe meets the stomach. According to Dr. Spielman, a veterinarian with the Veterinary Emergency &Specialty Center of New England, male felines seem to be more susceptible to developing hiatal hernias than female cats. Fatal complications such as aspiration pneumonia may develop if the hiatal hernia is not treated, but with proper management and care, a cat can live a normal, comfortable life.

  1. Causes of Hiatal Hernia

    • There are three main causes for the formation of a hiatal hernia in cats: congenital, traumatic and acid reflux. A kitten may inherit the condition at birth (congenital), or the hernia may develop before the cat has reached one year of age. In addition to congenital causes, a cat may acquire a hiatal hernia if it experienced trauma to the area. A hiatal hernia may also form as a result of gastroesophageal or acid reflux. Acid reflux is a condition where stomach contents flow from the stomach up into the esophagus.

    Signs and Symptoms

    • A cat that has a hiatal hernia may involuntarily regurgitate stomach fluids, mucus and food through the esophagus, or it may vomit food or blood. Additionally, the cat may produce excess saliva, or it may cough or have problems breathing. Weight loss may also indicate the presence of a hiatal hernia.

    Tests and Diagnosis

    • To diagnose a hiatal hernia in a cat, a veterinarian conducts a series of diagnostic tests such as blood work, urine tests and a biochemical profile. She may also order X-rays of the chest and abdomen to confirm that it is indeed a hiatal hernia and not another medical condition, such as secondary aspiration pneumonia. Other specialized tests include X-rays and visual inspection of the esophagus. A hiatal hernia diagnosis is made if any of the following characteristics is observed in a cat: A foreign body is found in the digestive tract or esophagus; abnormal tissue and/or inflammation of the esophagus or stomach is detected; the lower esophagus has exhibited enlargement; or the stomach has protruded into the esophagus.

    Treatment Methods

    • Hiatal hernias may not require any treatment. In some cases the vet may put the cat on a special low-fat diet where it is fed small meals frequently. The cat may also be prescribed medication that reduces or prevents acid production in the stomach. Examples include Prilosec (omeprazole), Pepcid (famotidine) and Zantac (ranitidine). If these treatment methods are ineffective, surgery may be required. In these instances the veterinarian closes the opening of the diaphragm or attaches the stomach to the abdominal wall to prevent additional protrusion from occurring.