Rico

Age: 8 weeks
Breed: German Shepherd
Diagnosis: Congenital Esophageal Constriction/Blockage

Rico came to Bishop Ranch Veterinary Center & Urgent Care at 8 weeks old for vomiting and stunted growth. A barium x-ray showed he had a Persistent Right Aortic Arch, which is a congenital anomaly of the blood vessels near the heart that are inappropriately wrapped around the esophagus, creating a constriction of the esophagus and restriction of food passage to the stomach.

Our doctors were able to quickly diagnose Rico's condition by performing a barium study with our digital radiography system. The digital x-rays were uploaded on-line for review by a Board Certified Veterinary Radiologist associated with the Veterinary School at the University of California at Davis.

Rico was then scheduled for surgery, where a Board Certified Surgeon performed the surgery. Bishop Ranch Veterinary Center was able to perform Rico's surgery and facilitate his recovery, sparing him and his owner the additional expense and stress of moving to another hospital for his procedure and post operative care.

Summary
After a successful surgery and several days of recovery in the hospital, Rico, now 7 months old, is an active and happy puppy, and is expected to have a completely normal, full life span.