Persistent Right Aortic Arch

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                      General Information



Certain large blood vessels present in the developing fetus

normally disappear before birth.  When parts of these vessels

remain after birth, they can trap the windpipe and esophagus

(passage to the stomach) in a tough, fibrous ring and interfere

with normal passage of air and food.  Puppies and kittens with

persistent right aortic arch eat normally but have difficulty

swallowing, vomit undigested food shortly after eating, are

short of breath, and grow more slowly than their littermates.

These signs usually appear just after weaning, when the young

begin to eat solid foods.



                 Important Points in Treatment



1.  Persistent right aortic arch is treated surgically by freeing

    the esophagus and windpipe from the encircling structures.

    The chances for total recovery depend on whether the

    esophagus has been permanently damaged and whether the nerve

    supply in the area is normal.



2.  Give all the medication as directed.  Call the doctor if you

    cannot medicate your pet. 



3.  Diet:  Follow the instructions checked. 



    ____Feed the normal diet. 



    ____Feed Prescription Diet p/d. 



    ____Other: 



4.  Exercise:  Follow the instructions checked. 



    ____Allow normal activity. 



    ____Restrict exercise as follows: 





5.  Surgical patients:  Check the incision at least once daily.

    any abnormalities to the doctor.



       Notify the Doctor if Any of the Following Occur:



    * The incision is red or swollen, or oozes fluid or pus.



    * Your pet vomits or has diarrhea.



    * Your pet coughs frequently or has difficulty breathing.



    * Your pet refuses to eat.



    * Your pet is depressed.