A 10 week old Labrador Retriever puppy was presented to the Cornell University Hospital for Animals Soft Tissue Surgery Service for evaluation of megaesophagus secondary to persistent right aortic arch (PRAA). Computer Tomographic imaging was performed to evaluate the vascular abnormalities and conduct surgical planning. The patient underwent surgical transection of the ligamentum arteriosum. Five months post-operatively the patient was doing well and being maintained on a diet of soft food.
Persistent right aortic arch is the most common vascular ring anomaly in dogs. Surgical treatment is potentially curative so early recognition and accurate diagnosis is essential. This paper will discuss the embryological origins, diagnosis, and treatment of PRAA within the context of the aforementioned case.