Nugget’s PRAA Surgery

Nugget is an 8 week old Labrador Retriever puppy. She has been diagnosed with PRAA, or Persistent Right Aortic Arch, which is a congenital defect that occurs in the womb.

PRAA is the most common type of vascular ring anomaly in dogs. It results from the failure of a fetal vessel to regress as the neonate develops. Typically, the right aortic arch regresses after birth; but when it does not, it entraps the esophagus as the neonate matures.

Nugget’s trachea is also trapped, causing significant issues with breathing and increases her risk for aspiration pneumonia. The only cure for PRAA is surgery.

Nugget will have to travel to Guelph, Ontario from Thunder Bay, Ontario, to have this surgery done. She will participate in their clinical study for PRAA and hopefully help more pups in the future.

Surgery estimate is $5000-$7000. In addition to those costs, there is also airfare or gas/hotel - depending on when we can get her booked. We are in talks right now with Guelph on when she can be fit in, as they want to do the surgery ASAP.

Any additional funds raised that won’t be used by her medical costs will be forwarded to Save A Stray Cat Rescue here in Thunder Bay.