Acquired arteriovenous fistula in a grizzly bear (Ursus arctos horribilis).
A captive adult male grizzly bear (Ursus arctos horribilis) was evaluated due to multifocal wounds of the skin and subcutaneous tissues sustained as a result of trauma from another grizzly bear. On presentation, one lesion that was located in the perineal region seemed to be a deep puncture with purple tissue protruding from it. This perineal wound did not heal in the same manner or rate as did the other wounds. Twenty-five days after initial detection, substantial active hemorrhage from the lesion occurred and necessitated anesthesia for examination of the bear. The entire lesion was surgically excised, which later proved curative. An acquired arteriovenous fistula was diagnosed via histopathology. Arteriovenous fistulas can develop after traumatic injury and should be considered as a potential complication in bears with nonhealing wounds.
Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine at North Carolina State University, 4700 Hillsborough Street, Raleigh, North Carolina 27606, USA. atuttle@mysticaquarium.org
Allison D
AD
Tuttle
Robert A
RA
MacLean
Keith
K
Linder
John M
JM
Cullen
Barbara A
BA
Wolfe
Michael
M
Loomis
D000818:Animals; D001164:Arteriovenous Fistula / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery / Q000662:veterinary*; D008297:Male; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D001503:Ursidae; D014947:Wounds and Injuries / Q000150:complications / Q000662:veterinary*