PRAA is a congenital malformation of the great vessels and their branches which produce a contricting band that cause constriction of the esophagus. This eventually leads to obstruction of the esophagus (the tube which transports food from the mouth to the stomach). This condition is present at birth, but clinical signs usually don’t become evident until the time of weaning. Most owners will observe a puppy or kitten eating, but then regurgitate its food back up in a short amount of time.

 

Early diagnosis and treatment of a PRAA will improve the prognosis. The diagnosis is made by performing an esophogram or barium swallow, where the animal swallows a special dye and a radiograph (X-ray) is taken.

 

Surgical correction is the only successful treatment. Medical therapy is only palliative at best and is not recommended. To correct a PRAA, a thoracotomy is performed and the tight band of tissue is removed which alleviates the obstruction. It is important to do this surgery as early as possible to prevent permanent irreversible damage to the esophagus. This procedure requires meticulous attention to anatomy and surgical technique and is best performed by a board certified surgeon.

 

 

	Lateral radiograph (X-ray) after a barium swallow in a dog with a PRAA. There is dilation of the esophagus in front of the constricting band.		Minnie, postoperative PRAA.