Surgical correction of esophageal stenosis by right aortic arch persistence in two cats

Freitas, Ítallo Barros deMarks, AdrianaSantos, Felipe Ribeiro Botelho dosRaiser, Alceu GasparMazzanti, AlexandreMartins, Raimy CostaFeranti, João Pedro ScusselIbañez, José Fernando

Background: Vascular ring anomaly is considered a hereditary change. It occurs when the fourth right aortic arch persists instead of the fourth left aortic arch, forming a vascular ring that compress the esophagus causing esophageal dilatation cranial to the compression site. Diagnosis is based upon anamnesis, physical examination, clinical signs and complementary exams (radiograph, complete blood count and biochemical tests). The clinical treatment is inadequate, since the dilatation persists and tends to progress causing irreversible tissue injury. Surgical correction is indicated and consists of the arterial ligament resection and correction of the esophageal stenosis. Case: The objective of the current study is to report two case of persistence of right aortic arch in two cats referred to the Veterinary Hospital of the Federal University of Santa Maria. On physical examination the patients were alert, in good nutritional status, adequately hydrated and presented normal colored mucous membranes. Each animal underwent radiography and esophagogram with barium sulphate. The exam demonstrated partial esophageal dilation cranial to the cardiac silhouette, suggestive of vascular ring anomaly. An exploratory thoracotomy was performed in order to achieve the definitive diagnosis. The arterial ligament was resected and esophageal stenosis corrected. Anesthesia, surgery and the [...](AU)

1. anomaly
2. thoracotomy
3. megaesophagus
4. regurgitation
5. cat