Hepatic arteriovenous fistulae and portal vein hypoplasia in a Labrador retriever

J Small Anim Pract. 2001 Mar;42(3):146-50. doi: 10.1111/j.1748-5827.2001.tb02012.x.

Abstract

An 18-month-old male Labrador retriever was referred for investigation of chronic intermittent diarrhoea and vomiting of two months duration. A diagnosis of hepatic arteriovenous fistulae was made. These are extremely rare hepatic vascular anomalies which confer arterial pressure to the portal vein. Liver atrophy, portal vein hypoplasia, portal hypertension and multiple acquired portosystemic collateral vessels are the main complications. Surgical excision is a challenge as resection of large lesions may be associated with significant blood loss. In this dog, persistence of portal vein hypoplasia and extensive collateral pathways following surgery led to a reserved prognosis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Angiography / veterinary
  • Animals
  • Arteriovenous Fistula / congenital
  • Arteriovenous Fistula / diagnosis
  • Arteriovenous Fistula / surgery
  • Arteriovenous Fistula / veterinary*
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Dog Diseases / congenital
  • Dog Diseases / diagnosis*
  • Dog Diseases / diagnostic imaging
  • Dog Diseases / pathology
  • Dog Diseases / surgery
  • Dogs
  • Hepatic Artery / abnormalities*
  • Liver Diseases / congenital
  • Liver Diseases / diagnosis
  • Liver Diseases / surgery
  • Liver Diseases / veterinary*
  • Male
  • Portal Vein / abnormalities*
  • Ultrasonography