Persistent right aortic arch (vascular ring anomaly)(PRAA)
Also known as: Persistierender rechter Aortenbogen · Vascular ring anomaly · Vaskulärer Ring · Persistent right aortic arch · Persistent right aortic arch ( vascular ring anomaly ) · …
Overview
What it is
This is a congenital abnormality of the cardiovascular system where a blood vessel near the heart fails to dissolve during development. This persistent vessel forms a tight ring around the esophagus, which is the tube that carries food from the mouth to the stomach. This ring constricts the esophagus, preventing solid food from passing through properly.
How it presents
Symptoms typically appear when puppies are weaned onto solid food, usually at a few weeks of age. Owners will notice the puppy regurgitating undigested food shortly after eating, failing to gain weight, or coughing due to inhaled food particles.
Treatment
Treatment requires a complex, one-time chest surgery to release the constriction, which typically costs between 3,000 and 8,000 EUR. Even after successful surgery, some dogs may need lifelong special feeding in an upright position due to permanent damage to the esophagus.
How it's tested
Hüftgelenksdysplasie-Auswertung (HD-Röntgen) nach FCI(HD-FCI)
Primary testRadiographRöntgenaufnahme der Hüftgelenke unter Sedation, ausgewertet nach FCI-Standard (A-E). Standardpflicht bei den meisten VDH-Zuchtvereinen.
Issuing body: FCI
Result scheme: HD-FCI
Affected breeds
2 of 2 breeds
Treatment cost
Estimated range of typical treatment cost. Actual cost depends on severity, clinic and region.
Frequently asked
What is Persistent right aortic arch (vascular ring anomaly)?
This is a congenital abnormality of the cardiovascular system where a blood vessel near the heart fails to dissolve during development. This persistent vessel forms a tight ring around the esophagus, which is the tube that carries food from the mouth to the stomach. This ring constricts the esophagus, preventing solid food from passing through properly.
How is Persistent right aortic arch (vascular ring anomaly) tested?
Tests currently in our database: Hüftgelenksdysplasie-Auswertung (HD-Röntgen) nach FCI.
Which breeds are most affected?
Most commonly affected: Great Dane, German Shepherd.