Symmetrical double aortic arch in a beagle puppy

Double aortic arch denotes the persistence of both fourth aortic arches and has been reported as 'very rare' in the dog. Most reported cases have been seen in German shepherd dogs. An eight-week-old, male, 1.5-kg beagle presented with a three-week history of regurgitation and dyspnoea. A barium oesophagram showed severe oesophageal constriction cranial to the base of the heart, and a provisional diagnosis of a persistent right aortic arch was made. A left-sided fourth intercostal thoracotomy was performed. The ligamentum arteriosum was ligated and divided. The oesophagus was seen lying on the right-hand side of the aorta. Postoperatively, the puppy deteriorated and was euthanased. Postmortem revealed a double aortic arch entrapping both the oesophagus and trachea. The inexperienced surgeon could consider computed tomography or angiography to determine the exact vascular ring, and other possible concurrent vascular anomalies present, before surgery.