Hepatic arteriovenous fistula in two Saint Bernard pups

Two saint bernard pups, 7 and 5 months old respectively, were examined because of anorexia, vomiting, and ascites. Exploratory laparotomy disclosed arteriovenous fistula of the right medial lobe of the liver in one dog, and in the right medial and quadrate lobes of the other one. Surgical removal of the affected lobes resulted in cessation of presenting signs. Both dogs remained healthy but had poor weight gain and vomited occasionally. After more than 2 years of apparently good health, both dogs were euthanatized and necropsied because of presumably unrelated gastrointestinal disturbances.