Persistência de quarto arco aórtico direito em cão: relato de caso

Abstract

The advancements in diagnostic techniques have rendered cardiovascular pathologies more prevalent in veterinary practice. Fetal development involves the formation of aortic arches for circulation, which must involute after birth to establish the great vessels. However, a failure in this process results in vascular ring anomalies, with Persistent Right Aortic Arch (PRAA) being the most common in dogs and cats (accounting for approximately 95% of cases). PRAA causes esophageal compression, leading to regurgitation in puppies following weaning and the introduction of solid foods, resulting in subnutrition and an increased risk of aspiration pneumonia. The recommended treatment is surgical intervention, which, if performed promptly after diagnosis, carries a favorable prognosis, often resulting in significant improvement or cure, with the esophagus typically regaining normal function. Although invasive, the

procedure is necessary, as there is no clinical cure for PRAA. This study reports the case of a 4-month- old Pitbull female dog that underwent corrective PRAA surgery. The patient showed a decrease in

regurgitation; however, a complete regression of the esophageal dilation did not occur due to the time interval between the onset of clinical signs and surgical resolution. This highlighted the importance of anatomical knowledge, rapid diagnosis and immediate surgical intervention to improve the quality of life of patients affected by this disease.