Hiatal hernia is a medical condition that occurs when part of the stomach pushes through the opening where the esophagus meets the stomach. This condition occurs not only in humans, but in dogs as well.
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Causes
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Some dogs are born with a hiatal hernia, while in others the conditions develops later in life, often due to trauma, explains PetPlace.com.
Types of Symptoms
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Symptoms of a hiatal hernia in dogs include regurgitation of chewed food, coughing, decreased appetite, weight loss, vomiting, excessive salivation and shortness of breath.
Features
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Hiatal hernia occurs in all breeds of dogs and happens at any age, but male dogs, Shar-Peis and English bulldogs seem more susceptible than female dogs or other breeds.
Diagnosis
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To diagnose hiatal hernia in dogs, veterinarians rely upon x-rays to rule out lung defects and then use contrast imaging with barium or a scope called esophagoscopy that is inserted through a dog's mouth.
Treatment
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In some cases, hiatal hernia in dogs requires no treatment apart from increased fluid intake and a low-fat diet. If this is not successful, surgery may be necessary to repair the hernia.
Risks
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Some dogs develop a lung infection known as aspiration pneumonia as a complication from hiatal hernia. In such cases, veterinarians prescribe breathing treatments and antibiotics to rid the dog of infection.
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