TABLE 3.
Summary of radiographic and videofluoroscopic swallow study (VFSS) findings in dogs diagnosed with sliding hiatal hernia
| Diagnostic imaging abnormalities | Brachycephalic (n) | Nonbrachycephalic (n) | Total dogs (n) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Radiographs | |||
| sHH | 16 | 20 | 36 |
| Aspiration pneumonia a * | 12 | 1 | 13 |
| Unremarkable | 4 | 8 | 12 |
| Bronchial pattern | 4 | 4 | 8 |
| Esophageal fluid | 6 | 2 | 8 |
| Esophageal gas | 2 | 3 | 5 |
| Megaesophagus | 0 | 3 | 3 |
| Hypoplastic trachea | 3 | 0 | 3 |
| VFSS | |||
| sHH | 18 | 18 | 36 |
| GER | 17 | 15 | 32 |
| Elongated soft palate | 10 | 0 | 10 |
| EER | 3 | 1 | 4 |
| Aerophagia | 4 | 0 | 4 |
| Megaesophagus | 0 | 3 | 3 |
| MSBC | 0 | 2 | 2 |
| Nasopharyngeal collapse | 2 | 0 | 2 |
| Tracheal collapse | 0 | 2 | 2 |
| Esophageal hypomotility | 1 | 1 | 2 |
| Pharyngeal weakness | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| Esophageal stricture | 0 | 1 | 1 |
Note: Dogs may have had >1 finding per modality.
Abbreviations: EER, extraesophageal reflux; GER, gastroesophageal reflux; MSBC, mainstem bronchial collapse; sHH, sliding hiatal hernia.
a
Dogs had a radiographic diagnosis of aspiration pneumonia based on the presence of a cranioventral interstitial or alveolar pattern observed on thoracic radiographs.
*Statistically significant comparisons (P < .05).