Computed tomography diagnosis of intermittent type IV paraoesophageal hernia in a dog

In hiatal hernia, elements of the abdominal cavity herniate through the oesophageal hiatus into the mediastinum. Although they are uncommon in both human and veterinary medicine, patients can develop significant clinical complications such as severe gastrointestinal signs, gastric dilatation and volvulus syndrome and, in some cases, death. The most comprehensive classification scheme recognises four types of hiatal hernia. Herein, we describe a first report of a dog with subclinical intermittent type IV paraoesophageal hernia.
Computed tomography assisted a rapid, definitive diagnosis and illustrated both the dynamic nature of this type of hernia and the potential for it to lead to severe respiratory compromise. It also facilitated rapid, surgical planning, increasing the likelihood of a successful surgical outcome.