Gastric torsion associated with a type IV hiatal hernia in two cats

A 5-year-old intact female domestic shorthair and a 4-year-old spayed female domestic shorthair were presented for dyspnoea and unproductive vomiting. Thoracic radiographs were suggestive of either diaphragmatic hernia or hiatal hernia. Surgical treatment consisting of reduction and repositioning of the stomach and incisional gastropexy was performed (bilateral in the first case, one-sided in the second case). The second cat died a few hours postoperatively, whereas the other cat was still alive 7 months postoperatively.

This case series describes surgical management of type IV hiatal hernia with gastric volvulus in two cats, which is a rare condition in cats. The radiographic challenge presented by this rare presentation is discussed. These cases demonstrate that bilateral gastropexies may be considered in type IV hiatal hernia in cats; however, further research about the aetiology and optimal treatment is necessary.