Dogs with clinical signs must undergo surgery to divide and remove abnormal connections between blood vessels. However, surgery can be difficult and labor-intensive and may require blood transfusions. While often successful, the arteriovenous fistula may recur even after surgery. Some dogs may even require amputation of the affected appendage.
A newer treatment option called transcatheter embolization involves using a catheter to block blood vessels. This method is particularly advantageous because it is relatively noninvasive and provides access to remote lesions via the blood vessels.
Living and Management
Your veterinarian will want to schedule regular follow-up appointments to evaluate your dog, especially if it underwent surgery. This will also enable him or her to determine whether the arteriovenous fistula has recurred.
A change in the way that tissue is constructed; a sore
The term for a quick heartbeat
An in-depth examination of the properties of urine; used to determine the presence or absence of illness
The digestive tract containing the stomach and intestine
Pertaining to the chest
The collection of fluid in the tissue
Something that is attached to something else, usually something larger; e.g. a leg or an arm.
A large blood vessel that transports blood out of the heart.
Having a hard time breathing; breathing takes great pains
The process of removing all or part of a body part; usually refers to a limb (arm or leg) and is done for medical reasons.