- Fingeroth J M (1993) Surgical diseases of the esophagus. Vascular ring anomalies and surgical techniques for oesophageal disease. Correction of vascular ring anomalies.In:Textbook of Small Animal Surgery. 2nd edn. Ed: Slatter D. W B Saunders, USA. pp 538-544, 554-557.
- Noden D M & DeLahunta A (1985) Cardiovascular system I. Blood and arteries. In:The Embryology of Domestic Animals. Developmental Mechanisms and Malformations. Williams & Wilkins, USA. pp 211-230.
bovis - Articles
Vascular ring anomalies
Synonym(s): Heart
Introduction
- Very rarely identified in cattle.
- Usually no cardiovascular signs.
- Most common (95%) - persistent right aortic arch (PRAA).
- Less common - double aortic arches, anomalous subclavian arteries.
- Cause:
- developmental abnormality of vessels.
- Esophageal dilation cranial to base of heart.
- Signs: regurgitation, intermittent bloat, aspiration pneumonia, stunted growth.
- Diagnosis: signs, radiography, endoscopy.
- Treatment: limited as usually not financially viable or practical.
- Prognosis: depends on degree of megaesophagus, but generally poor.
Age predisposition
- Usually present at the onset of weaning.
- Older animals usually with a long-standing history of intermittent regurgitation and intermittent bloat.
Cost considerations
- Poor growth rate.
- Loss of productivity.
Special risks
- Complications associated with secondary aspiration pneumonia Aspiration pneumonia.
Pathogenesis
Etiology
- Congenital:
- Persistent right aortic arch (stricture caused by ligamentum or Ductus arteriosus Ductus arteriosus, pulmonary artery and dextraposed aorta)
- Double aortic arches
- Anomalous subclavian arteries.
Pathophysiology
- Aberrant embryological development of great vessels at the heart base → esophagus encircled at the heart base by a right aortic arch, a ligamentum arteriosum (or patent ductus arteriosus) and the pulmonary trunk → accumulating food boluses proximal to vascular ring → esophageal dilation and eventual loss of function (megaesophagus) → typical signs of megaesophagus.
- Fibrosis may occur affecting adventitia around esophagus at site of vascular ring → esophageal stenosis.
- Aspiration pneumonia Aspiration pneumonia is a common complication.
Timecourse
- Varies depending on the degree of obstruction and severity of megaesophagus.
- Aspiration pneumonia adds further complications and increases mortality.
Diagnosis
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Treatment
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Prevention
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Outcomes
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Further Reading
Publications
Refereed Papers
- Recent references from PubMed and VetMedResource.
- Jalilzadeh-Amin G & Hashemiasl S (2015) Megaoesophagus in the upper cervical oesophagus in a steer: a case report. Vet Med 60 (1), 48–51.
- Miki W, Takehana K, Kusaba N, Suzuki T et al (2009) A case of a right aortic arch in a Japanese black calf with symptoms of persistent ruminal tympany and dysphagia. J Japan Vet Med Assoc 62 (6), 460-463.
- Du Plessis C J, Keller N & Joubert K E (2006) Symmetrical double aortic arch in a beagle puppy. JSAP 47 (1), 31-34.
- House A K, Summerfield N J, German A J, Noble P J M, Ibarrola P & Brockman D J (2005) Unusual vascular ring anomaly associated with a persistent right aortic arch in two dogs. JSAP 46, 585-590 PubMed.
- Vianna M L, Krahwinkel D J Jr (2004) Double aortic arch in a dog. JAVMA 225 (8), 1222-1224, 1196-1197 PubMed.
- Buchanan J W (2003) Tracheal signs and associated vascular anomalies in dogs with persistent right aortic arch. JVIM 18 (4), 510-514 PubMed.
- Findji L & Degueurce C (1999)Symmetrical double aortic arch in a dog. Vet Rec 145 (10), 456-466.
- Van Grundy T (1989) Vascular ring anomalies. Comp Cont Ed Pract Vet 11, 36-48.
- Fingeroth J M & Fossum T W (1987) Late onset regurgitation associated with persistent right aortic arch in two dogs. JAVMA 191, 981.
- Helphrey M L (1979) Vascular ring anomalies in the dog. Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Prac 9 (2), 207-219.