Abin Biju1, Rachel Maria Sam1 , Abhijith P S1and N S Sunilkumar2
1BVSc&AH graduate students
2Assistant Professor, Department of Veterinary Anatomy
College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, Thrissur, Kerala, India
Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences University
doi.org/10.5281/IndianVetMagazine.24100326
Persistent Right Aortic Arch (PRAA) is a congenital vascular ring anomaly resulting from abnormal persistence of the right fourth aortic arch during embryonic development. The anomalous vessel, together with the ligamentum arteriosum, forms a vascular ring that constricts the esophagus at the level of the heart base. This results in partial esophageal obstruction, progressive dilation of the cranial thoracic esophagus, and secondary megaesophagus. Clinical signs are most commonly observed in young dogs following the transition from milk to solid food and include regurgitation, poor growth, weight loss and, in severe cases, aspiration pneumonia. Diagnosis is primarily based on thoracic radiography and contrast oesophagography, with advanced imaging and endoscopy providing additional information when required. Surgical correction, principally by division of the ligamentum arteriosum and release of the vascular constriction, is the treatment of choice. Early intervention improves the likelihood of recovery, although persistent esophageal dysfunction and megaesophagus may occur in chronic cases. A thorough understanding of the embryology, anatomical relationships, clinical presentation, diagnosis and surgical management of PRAA is therefore essential for achieving a favorable outcome.
