Successful Surgery of Persistent Right Aoritic Arch (PRAA) in a Cat

Abstract

A five-month-old female cat with continuous vomiting after weaning was brought in for treatment. Blood chemistry tests showed erythrocytosis. Chest X-ray examination showed enlargement of the right heart and narrowing of the trachea near the heart between the 4th and 6th intercostal spaces. Additionally, the left ventricle was enlarged and the aortic arch was deviated to the right. With contrast medium, the esophagus was seen to have a slight stenosis near the cardiac wall. Endoscopical examination revealed that there was a narrow part at the middle of the esophagus. This narrow part inflated during exhalation. An ventricular septal defect was found by means of echo cardiograph. So the patient was surgically treated. A left thoracotomy was performed through the 4th intercostal space. After preparation of the surrounding tissue, the arterial ligament was ligated and cut off. After this procedure, the esophagus was confirmed to have regained its normal shape by insertion of a balloon catheter from the mouth. The chest wound was closed normally. On day 41, blood tests showed no erythrocytosis. On day 100, chest X-ray examination showed normal appearance. The animal has been in good health for three years after surgery. It was also confirmed that the ventricular septal defect had closed spontaneously.