Persistent Right Aortic Arch (PRAA)
In the fetus there are blood vessels that at first may serve a function but then naturally deteriorate as the embryo grows. Occasionally, vessels in the chest cavity, called the aortic arches, will fail to disappear. The right aortic arch passes near the esophagus. If this blood vessel persists in the newborn, the esophagus is trapped between it and the heart. This inhibits the growth and function of the esophagus, thus restricting food passage to the stomach.
What are the symptoms?
Usually symptoms appear before six months of age and include stunted
growth and regurgitation immediately after eating. The affected
puppy may also experience difficulty breathing if regurgitated
food is aspirated, or if the trachea is also restricted.
What are the risks?
Without treatment, growth will be severely stunted, as the puppy
will be unable to digest adequate amounts of food. Severe respiratory
distress such as pneumonia may also develop.
What is the management?
Surgical removal of the stricture (narrowing) caused by the persistent
right aortic arch is the preferred treatment. It is important
to perform surgery early in the disease, before permanent growth
damage has occurred.
Many affected puppies will not grow at a normal rate and will
be smaller than their littermates.
The information on this page was obtained from the site www.peteducation.com