Anomalous branching of the aortic arch in a dog

Anomalies in the subclavian and common carotid arteries can be of interest in cases of cranial mediastinal surgeries, as well as to diagnose the cause of oesophageal constrictions leading to clinical signs of dysphagia (dysphagia lusoria). The development and regression of the aortic arches are of key importance in understanding the origin of these type of vascular anomalies. This report describes the congenital anomalous aortic origin of the common carotid and the subclavian arteries in a 14-year-old dog and the plausible developmental pattern failure. Academic dissection revealed a common bicarotid trunk and bisubclavian trunk arising from the most cranial aspect of the aortic arch. Despite the abnormal origin, these vessels displayed a predominantly standard anatomical course. All the anticipated branches were identified and described. Cardiac abnormalities were also noted including right atrial dilation, coronary sinus enlargement, right and left valvular endocardiosis, a patent foramen ovale and marked concentric left ventricular hypertrophy with compensatory left atrial dilation. Additionally, the right recurrent laryngeal nerve demonstrated an aberrant course consistent with a 'non-recurrent laryngeal nerve' (non-RLN). Awareness of the anatomical variations of the aortic arch is important for surgical interventions of the cranial mediastinum as well as radiological interpretation. Although infrequent, the variants similar to the one described here have been reported in different species.