Gall bladder rupture and atrophy causing a hepato‐cutaneous fistula in a dog

Abstract An 8‐year‐10‐month‐old, male, neutered Hungarian Vizsla presented with an unresolved discharging nodule on the right aspect of the xiphoid process. The dog was reported to experience intermittent lethargy and inappetence 15 months after 7 days of critical care hospitalisation for significant gastrointestinal clinical signs including inappetence, weight loss, abdominal pain, profuse vomiting and diarrhoea. An abdominal computed tomography scan revealed communication between the skin and the hepatic parenchyma. Exploratory celiotomy revealed extensive hepatic adhesions, absence of the gall bladder, and communication between the skin and a fibrotic tissue cavity within the right medial‐quadrate interlobar space. Histopathological examination of the fistula confirmed the absence of the characteristic features of cholecystocutaneous fistulas. The surgical approach reported for cholecystocutaneous fistulas was only partially successful. Despite the relapse, the patient's quality of life improved substantially following our intervention, with a complete restoration of energy levels and appetite up to 1 year postoperatively.