A Canine Case of Arteriovenous Anastomosis on the Right Forelimb

Abstract

A 11-year-old female mixed breed dog weighing 20 kg showed slight lameness and had a pulsatile ampulla on the right forelimb where the skin was discolorated. Auscultation on the ampulla revealed obvious continuous thrill, suggesting arteriovenous anastomosis. Arterial angiography and color doppler echography defined the diagnosis, however the correct portion could not be clearly identified. The ligation of ulnar artery was performed, then the lameness and the abnormal hue of the ampulla quickly disappeared, however arteriovenous anastomosis still existed. One month later, the ligation of median artery was performed. As a result, murmur at the arteriovenous anastomosis and its systemic effects disappeared.