Successful ligation of the left and right gastric vein in a dog with congenital portosystemic shunts type Aii.

The type Aii shunt is a congenital extrahepatic portosystemic shunt (ePSS) involving the left and right gastric vein and the caudal vena cava (CVC). This report describes the case of a 6-month-old Italian greyhound diagnosed with a type Aii large-diameter ePSS. Staged surgeries were employed to completely ligate the 2 gastric veins and to avoid the risk of traumatizing the shunt vessel, CVC, and celiac artery. Clinical signs improved postoperatively, and after 3 years, ultrasonography demonstrated no evidence of reoccurrence. This procedure provides an alternative surgical option for correction of ePSS type Aii. Key clinical message: This case report demonstrates congenital PSS involving the left and right gastric vein and the caudal vena could be treated with both ligation of left and right gastric vein. This technique could decrease the risk of traumatizing the shunt vessel, CVC, and celiac artery.

Ligature réussie des veines gastriques gauche et droite chez un chien avec des shunts portosystémiques congénitaux de type Aii. Le shunt de type Aii est un shunt porto-systémique extrahépatique congénital (ePSS) impliquant la veine gastrique gauche et droite et la veine cave caudale (CVC). Ce rapport décrit le cas d'un lévrier italien de 6 mois diagnostiqué avec un ePSS de grand diamètre de type Aii. Des chirurgies par étapes ont été effectuées pour ligaturer complètement les deux veines gastriques et pour éviter le risque de traumatiser le vaisseau avec shunt, la CVC et l'artère coeliaque. Les signes cliniques se sont améliorés après l'opération et après trois ans, l'échographie n'a montré aucun signe de récidive. Cette procédure offre une option chirurgicale alternative pour la correction de l'ePSS de type Aii.Message clinique clé :Ce rapport de cas démontre un ePSS congénital impliquant la veine gastrique gauche et droite et la veine caudale pouvant être traité par la ligature de la veine gastrique gauche et droite. Cette technique pourrait diminuer le risque de traumatiser le vaisseau avec shunt, le CVC et l'artère coeliaque.(Traduit par Dr Serge Messier).

Clinical and necropsy evaluation of endocardial fibroelastosis in a mixed-breed cat with left side heart failure.

A two-month-old, male intact, mixed-breed cat weighing 0.6 kg was presented with respiratory distress and anorexia. From the transthoracic echocardiographic, reduced fractional shortening (FS) and increased endocardial echogenicity were recognised with severe congestive heart failure (CHF). The kitten was administered an antibiotic and pimobendane under oxygen supplementation in an ICU cage. However, the respiratory condition worsened and the cat died the next day, and the subsequent necropsy and histopathology examinations confirmed endocardial fibroelastosis (EFE). There is a lack of information regarding the antemortem cardiac function evaluated by tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) in EFE cases. We report on the echocardiographic findings including the TDI in the EFE cat with a concomitant necropsy and histopathology confirmation in this paper. The echocardiographic findings showed presence of a ventricular false tendon within the left ventricle, a decrease in the left ventricular contractility (FS 11.1%, and a marked CHF). In this case, the echocardiographic findings were consistent with the human counterpart. However, these findings were like those of dilated cardiomyopathy and, hence, non-specific to EFE. As a result, veterinarians should keep in mind that endocardial fibroelastosis might be a possible reason for respiratory distress resulting from CHF with a low fractional shortening in young cats.

Autologous tunica vaginalis communis flap for repairing an abdominal wall hernia in a dog.

An 8-year-old, intact male miniature dachshund dog, weighing 8.6 kg, was presented with a soft swelling in the caudal abdominal region, including both sides of the groin area. Laparotomy revealed a severe caudal abdominal wall hernia with atrophy of the rectus abdominal muscle. The defect was repaired using a tunica vaginalis communis flap following a standard open prescrotal castration. There were no complications or recurrence of the hernia at 11 months after surgery. This surgical technique involves autogenous reconstruction, is easy to perform, and requires minimal dissection. The tunica vaginalis communis flap has potential clinical applications for repairing caudal abdominal wall hernias in male dogs.

Lambeau de tunique vaginale autologue pour la réparation d'une hernie de la paroi abdominale chez un chien. Un teckel miniature mâle intact de 8 ans, pesant 8,6 kg, a présenté une enflure molle dans la région abdominale caudale, y compris des deux côtés de la région de l'aine. La laparotomie a révélé une hernie sévère de la paroi abdominale caudale avec atrophie du muscle abdominal droit. Le défaut a été réparé à l'aide d'un lambeau de la tunique vaginale après une castration préscrotale ouverte standard. Il n'y a eu aucune complication ni récidive de la hernie 11 mois après la chirurgie. Cette technique chirurgicale implique une reconstruction autogène, est facile à réaliser et nécessite une dissection minimale. Le lambeau de tunique vaginale a des applications cliniques potentielles pour la réparation des hernies de la paroi abdominale caudale chez les chiens mâles.(Traduit par Dr Serge Messier).

Left ventricular vortex and intraventricular pressure difference in dogs under various loading conditions.

Restrictions on the conventional evaluation of diastolic function have been recognized, especially under various loading conditions. Recently, new noninvasive ventricular vortex indexes have been introduced and are expected to reflect the cardiac function. Physiologically, there is a hypothesis that the intraventricular pressure difference (IVPD) is related to the formation of vortexes. IVPD and vortex indexes were simultaneously measured, and the relationship between the two was investigated. To verify the possibility of diastolic vorticity as an index of diastolic relaxation, a correlation between diastolic vorticity and the load dependency of vorticity [time constant (τ)] was examined. Six healthy dogs were studied using transthoracic echocardiography, pressure, and a conductance catheter. Vorticity was analyzed using vector flow mapping (VFM). IVPD was determined using Euler's equation with color M-mode Doppler images. Data were obtained at baseline, at balloon dilatation in the thoracic aorta to alter afterload, at hydroxyethyl starch infusion to alter preload, and at milrinone administration to alter ventricular relaxation. Peak vorticity at early diastole (E-Vor) and IVPD of the midventricle (MIVPD) decreased under pressure loading, were unchanged under volume loading, and increased during milrinone administration. In multivariate analysis, the independent predictors of τ were global longitudinal strain, strain rate at early diastole, and E-Vor. MIVPD was strongly correlated with E-Vor ( r = 0.84). VFM-derived peak E vorticity was strongly related to IVPD, especially MIVPD, under various loading conditions. Both of these novel indexes are promising as reliable indexes of ventricular relaxation, independent from preload. NEW & NOTEWORTHY We showed the close relationship of vortex and intraventricular pressure difference and showed that both of them can become new markers of the left ventricular relaxation property. Our present study creates a paradigm for future studies in the field of intraventircular flow physiology and clinical diastology.

Contrasting Effects of Inhibition of Phosphodiesterase 3 and 5 on Cardiac Function and Interstitial Fibrosis in Rats With Isoproterenol-Induced Cardiac Dysfunction.

Myocardial relaxation and stiffness are influenced by fibrillar collagen content. Cyclic nucleotide signaling regulators have been investigated targeting more effective modulation of collagen deposition during myocardial healing process. To assess the effects of phosphodiesterase type 3 and phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors on cardiac function and left ventricular myocardial fibrosis in catecholamine-induced myocardial injury, sildenafil and pimobendan were administered to male Wistar rats 24 hours after isoproterenol injection. Echocardiography and electrocardiogram were performed to assess kinetic and rhythm changes during 45 days of drug administration. At the end of study, type I and type III collagen were measured through immunohistochemistry analysis, and left ventricular pressure was assessed through invasive method. Echocardiography assessment showed increased relative wall thickness at 45 days in pimobendan group with significant diastolic dysfunction and increased collagen I deposition compared with nontreated positive group (3.03 ± 0.31 vs. 2.73 ± 0.28%, P < 0.05). Diastolic pressure correlated positively with type I collagen (r = 0.54, P < 0.05). Type III collagen analysis did not demonstrate difference among the groups. Sildenafil administration attenuated type I collagen deposition (2.15 ± 0.51 vs. positive group, P < 0.05) and suggested to be related to arrhythmic events. Arrhythmic events were not related to the quantity of fibrillar collagen deposition. Although negative modulation of collagen synthesis through cyclic nucleotides signaling have shown promising results, in this study, pimobendan postconditioning resulted in increased collagen type I formation and severe diastolic dysfunction while sildenafil postconditioning reduced collagen type I deposition and attenuated diastolic dysfunction.

Assessment of the subcutaneous degradation process of insoluble hyaluronic acid in rats.

Insoluble hyaluronic acid (IHA) may prevent adhesions by forming a physical barrier during the period when postoperative adhesions form. This study was performed to verify the changes that a solid IHA membrane undergoes as it is degraded in vivo, and to ascertain the swelling rate of IHA required for it to function as a physical barrier during the postoperative adhesion formation period. Nine female WI rats weighing 300-400 g were used. Discs 8 mm in diameter were cut out of dry IHA membranes made of IHA with a swelling rate (wet weight/dry weight) of either 2.47 (high-swelling IHA) or 1.94 (low-swelling IHA). They were placed in saline to swell and then washed with saline before subcutaneous implantation in four pockets in each rat. The high-swelling IHA started to degrade more rapidly than the low-swelling IHA. There was no evidence of degradation of the low-swelling IHA until day 7, but once it had started, the speed of degradation tended to be similar to that of the high-swelling IHA. The present results showed that, when IHA is implanted subcutaneously in rats, it is degraded over time in a phased process. The swelling rate required for the use of IHA as a postoperative adhesion barrier was also suggested.

Development of an Anti-Adhesive Membrane for Use in Video-Assisted Thoracic Surgery.

Background: The need to prevent postoperative adhesions after surgery has been considered a significant challenge in thoracic surgery, especially with the advent of video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS). While preventive materials for postoperative adhesions have been studied for many years, they are all still in the development phases. Methods: In this animal study, an insoluble hyaluronic acid membrane was used in VATS for wedge resection to test its operability and to examine the body's response to the membrane. Ten beagles were divided into two groups, an experimental group and a negative control group. In the experimental group, an insoluble hyaluronic acid membrane containing glycerol was used as the test membrane (10 x 10 x 0.1 cm3). The test membrane was implanted in the left thoracic cavity of the animal under VATS following wedge resection. The animals were observed for two weeks and then euthanized for examination. Results: Macroscopically, the median adhesion score was lower in the experimental group (0) than in the control group (2.5). On histopathological examination, the test membrane elicited only a minor inflammatory response and foreign body reaction. Conclusion: The test membrane showed satisfactory operability and appears to be a practical material to prevent postoperative adhesions after thoracic surgery in VATS.

Utility of Lung Ultrasonography for Detection of Pleural Adhesions in Dogs.

OBJECTIVES: To assess lung respiratory movement ("lung sliding") in dogs using B-mode ultrasonography (US) and to develop a method that assesses adhesions between the parietal pleura and the lung. METHODS: Seventeen male beagles were anesthetized, and respiratory management was performed with intermittent positive pressure ventilation. Lung-sliding assessments and adhesion examinations were performed with lung US under general anesthesia before and 2 weeks after thoracotomy. Lung sliding was scored on a 4-level scale based on the percentage of the area that showed lung sliding (3, an area of roughly ≥80% of the intercostal space; 2, about 50% of the area of the intercostal space; 1, a small area of the intercostal space; or 0, movement absent); scores of 0, 1, and 2 indicated adhesions, whereas a score of 3 indicated no adhesions. The animals were then euthanized, and necropsy was performed to examine pleural adhesions. RESULTS: Lung US and necropsy findings were compared. The median lung-sliding score for the 12 sites with pleural adhesions on necropsy was 1.5, whereas it was 3.0 for the 532 sites without pleural adhesions. The lung-sliding score was significantly lower in the group with adhesions (P < .0001). Adhesion sites detected on necropsy were in accordance with the sites that had decreased lung-sliding scores. Lung US could detect pleural adhesions with sensitivity of 100.0% and specificity of 87.8%. CONCLUSIONS: Examination of lung sliding by thoracic US has high diagnostic value for detecting canine pleural adhesions and is useful in predicting adhesion sites before thoracic surgery in healthy dogs.

Hybrid surgical treatment for 2 feline cases of intrahepatic shunt.

Intrahepatic portosystemic shunt was encountered in 2 cats (10 and 5 months old) exhibiting neurological symptoms and general deterioration. Both cats were treated with coil embolization using a hybrid surgical technique combining conventional open surgery and interventional radiology techniques, achieving good postoperative outcomes (follow-up: 22 and 10 months, respectively).

Traitement chirurgical hybride pour deux cas félins de shunt intrahépatique. Un shunt portosystémique intrahépatique a été observé chez deux chats (âgés de 10 et de 5 mois) manifestant des symptômes neurologiques et une détérioration générale. Les deux chats ont été traités par une embolisation utilisant des spires à l'aide d'une technique chirurgicale hybride combinant une chirurgie ouverte conventionnelle et des techniques de radiologie d'intervention afin d'obtenir de bons résultats postopératoires (suivi : 22 et 10 mois, respectivement).(Traduit par Isabelle Vallières).

Silk fibroin-Pellethane® cardiovascular patches: Effect of silk fibroin concentration on vascular remodeling in rat model.

Life-threatening cardiovascular anomalies require surgery for structural repair with cardiovascular patches. The biomaterial patch, derived from Bombyx mori silk fibroin (SF), is used as an alternative material due to its excellent tissue affinity and biocompatibility. However, SF lacks the elastomeric characteristics required for a cardiovascular patch. In order to overcome this shortcoming, we combined the thermoplastic polyurethane, Pellethane® (PU) with SF to develop an elastic biocompatible patch. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the feasibility of the blended SF/PU patch in a vascular model. Additionally, we focused on the effects of different SF concentrations in the SF/PU patch on its biological and physical properties. Three patches of different compositions (SF, SF7PU3 and SF4PU6) were created using an electrospinning method. Each patch type (n = 18) was implanted into rat abdominal aorta and histopathology was assessed at 1, 3, and 6 months post-implantation. The results showed that with increasing SF content the tensile strength and elasticity decreased. Histological evaluation revealed that inflammation gradually decreased in the SF7PU3 and SF patches throughout the study period. At 6 months post-implantation, the SF7PU3 patch demonstrated progressive remodeling, including significantly higher tissue infiltration, elastogenesis and endothelialization compared with SF4PU6. In conclusion, an increase of SF concentration in the SF/PU patch had effects on vascular remodeling and physical properties. Moreover, our blended patch might be an attractive alternative material that could induce the growth of a neo-artery composed of tissue present in native artery.

A case of a dog with mandibular extraskeletal osteosarcoma after long-term puncture extirpation of the salivary gland cyst in the mandible.

Background: Extraskeletal osteosarcoma, unlike skeletal osteosarcoma, is a rare malignant mesenchymal tumor with a soft tissue primary that has been reported to occur in a variety of soft tissues. Case Description: The case is a 14-year-old, unneutered male Miniature Pinscher, weighing 6.7 kg, who had been treated medically for more than 5 years with a management strategy of puncture extirpation of a salivary gland cyst in the mandible; 1 month earlier, the fluid retention could not be removed, and after a computerized tomography scan showed no lesion in the mandible adjacent to the mass lesion, surgical resection was performed. Conclusion: Previous reports of extraskeletal osteosarcoma from the salivary glands in dogs have been rare. However, treatment of a salivary gland cyst in the mandible by long-term puncture extirpation may be a potential predisposing factor for the development of extraskeletal osteosarcoma around the mandible.

Hemophagocytic syndrome in a cat with immune-mediated hemolytic anemia.

A 10-year-old spayed female domestic short-haired cat presented with depression, anorexia, and tachypnea. A complete blood count revealed moderate regenerative anemia, severe leukopenia, and mild thrombocytopenia. Antibodies against feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) were also detected. Abdominal radiography and ultrasonography revealed severe splenomegaly. Cytologic evaluation of the spleen revealed macrophagic infiltration with hemophagocytosis. Bone marrow aspiration revealed erythroid hyperplasia with no other abnormalities. A presumptive diagnosis of hemophagocytic syndrome secondary to immune-mediated hemolytic anemia was made based on a positive direct Coombs test result. Blood transfusion, prednisolone, and immunosuppressive treatments were performed; however, the blood abnormalities did not improve. The cat was then administered prednisolone and chlorambucil, followed by splenectomy. Leukopenia immediately recovered, and packed cell volume increased slightly. However, the blood abnormalities recurred, and the cat died. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of hemophagocytic syndrome secondary to immune-mediated disease in an FIV-positive cat.

LINE-1 Methylation Status in Canine Splenic Hemangiosarcoma Tissue and Cell-Free DNA.

Splenic hemangiosarcoma is one of the most common malignant tumors in dogs, and early diagnosis is of great importance for achieving a good prognosis. DNA methylation plays an important role in cancer development. Long interspersed nuclear element 1 (LINE-1) is the most abundant repetitive element in the genome. LINE-1 hypomethylation has been shown to be related to carcinogenesis in humans, and it has been used as a novel cancer biomarker. This study aimed to evaluate the methylation status of LINE-1 in tumor tissue and circulating cell-free DNA and assess its clinical significance in canine splenic hemangiosarcoma. Genomic DNA was isolated from splenic masses of 13 dogs with hemangiosarcoma, 11 with other malignant tumors, and 15 with benign lesions. LINE-1 methylation was quantified using methylation-sensitive and -insensitive restriction enzyme digestion followed by real-time polymerase chain reaction. Additionally, blood samples were collected from eight patients to isolate cell-free DNA to determine LINE-1 methylation status changes during the treatment course. LINE-1 methylation in tumor samples was significantly lower in patients with hemangiosarcoma than in those with other malignant tumors and benign lesions. Non-significant but similar results were observed for the cell-free DNA samples. Our results demonstrate that LINE-1 methylation status is a potential biomarker for splenic hemangiosarcoma.

Secondary right atrial thrombosis in three dogs: Antithrombotics therapy and echocardiographic follow-up.

Three dogs were diagnosed with right atrial thrombosis, thought to be secondary to systemic diseases. Specifically, two cases had hyperadrenocorticism and one case was diagnosed with pancreatitis with acute renal injury. In all cases, the thrombi were found within the right atrium, necessitating a differentiation from cardiac neoplasia. In all three cases, the structures assumed to be thrombi had irregular margins with interspersed hypoechoic regions, which were later confirmed as thrombi based on the responsiveness to therapy. All three cases were prescribed with the combination of clopidogrel and rivaroxaban.The thrombi gradually disappeared after initiation of the combination therapy. Complete resolution of right atrial thrombosis was noted in each dog treated with clopidogrel and rivaroxaban. This combination therapy appears to be safe and well tolerated. Diligent observation of the echocardiographic findings and clinical course allows the diagnosis of thrombosis.

Self-expanding tracheal stent placement in a cat with primary tracheal collapse.

A 12-year-old mixed-breed spayed female cat presented with dyspnoea, open-mouthed breathing, and cyanosis that was difficult to control with medical pharmacotherapy; the cat was diagnosed with the primary tracheal collapse of the neck and chest regions. The diagnosis was confirmed by dynamic chest radiography, tracheal endoscopy, and computed tomography (CT). Tracheal endoscopy and CT showed dropsy of the dorsal membranous wall over most of the trachea. A self-expanding Nitinol cross-and-hook braided stent was placed along the entire tracheal lumen using surgical X-ray fluoroscopy. Bacterial cultures in the trachea were negative. Dyspnoea disappeared immediately after the endotracheal stent was implanted. Although the long-term prognosis remains under observation, the short- to medium-term prognosis was very good. These results suggest that stenting may be useful in the treatment of primary tracheal collapse in cats.

Surgical outcomes in dogs with tracheal collapse treated with a novel cross-and-hook braided endoluminal stent.

BACKGROUND: Stenting is an effective treatment option for tracheal collapse in dogs. Cross-braided tracheal stents are currently the norm in veterinary medicine, but cross-and-hook braided stents have recently been adopted in human medicine. We examined whether stents manufactured using this novel braiding technique provided additional advantages for the treatment of tracheal collapse in dogs. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the outcomes of cross-and-hook braided stent implantation in the treatment of tracheal collapse in dogs. METHODS: The medical records of 22 client-owned dogs that underwent luminal placement of cross-and-hook braided Fauna Stents for the treatment of tracheal collapse between January 2018 and July 2021 were examined and data on canine signalment, clinical signs, diagnostic test results, surgical outcomes, and postoperative complications were retrieved and analyzed statistically. RESULTS: Twenty-six stents were surgically implanted, with 20 dogs (90.9%) receiving one stent and the remaining two (9.1%) receiving two or more stents. All dogs survived the procedure. The median survival time at a median follow-up of 990 days was 879 days. At the final follow-up examination, loss or mild improvement of cough was observed in all dogs. CONCLUSIONS: Compared with conventional lumen stents, the cross-and-hook braided Fauna Stent offered a higher survival rate and improved clinical symptoms in all patients. The results of this study suggest that the Fauna Stent may be a promising treatment option for dogs with tracheal collapse.

Color M-Mode Echocardiography for Non-Invasive Assessment of the Intraventricular Pressure in Dogs Before and After Ductus Arteriosus Occlusion: A Retrospective Study.

Background: Novel non-invasive evaluation of the intraventricular pressure differences and gradients (IVPD and IVPG) by color M-mode echocardiography (CMME) is a promising method in diastolic function evaluation. Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) is a congenital heart defect which is associated with increased preload. The present work provides a clinical trial for the assessment of IVPD and IVPG changes in dogs before and after surgical occlusion of PDA. Materials and Methods: A total of 12 client-owned dogs were enrolled in this study. PDA was confirmed using echocardiography, and all dogs underwent PDA occlusion. Conventional echocardiography and CMME were conducted on each patient on the operation day (Pre-PDA) and 48 h after its occlusion (Post-PDA). The total IVPD and total IVPG, as well as segmental intraventricular pressure (basal, mid-to-apical, mid, and apical) were measured from Euler's equation using specific software (MATLAB). Data were analyzed for variability and for the difference between pre- and post-PDA. The effect of PDA occlusion on the measured variables was calculated using biserial ranked correlation (rc). Results: There was a significant reduction in end-diastolic volume, fraction shortening, stroke volume, and mitral inflow velocities (early and late) after PDA closure. CMME was feasible in all dogs, and the CMME indices showed moderate variability, except for the apical segment of IVPD and IVPG. After PDA closure, in comparison with the pre-PDA occlusion, there was a significant reduction in total IVPD (2.285 ± 0.374 vs. 1.748 ± 0.436 mmHg; P = 0.014), basal IVPD (1.177 ± 0.538 vs. 0.696 ± 0.144 mmHg; P = 0.012), total IVPG (1.141 ± 0.246 vs. 0.933 ± 0.208 mmHg; P = 0.032), and basal IVPG (0.578 ± 0.199 vs. 0.377 ± 0.113 mmHg; P = 0.001); meanwhile, mid, mid-to-apical, and apical segments of both IVPD and IVPG showed non-significant difference. The magnitude of PDA occlusion on the measured variables was clinically relevant and associated with a large effect size on total and basal IVPD and IVPG (rc > 0.6). Conclusion: The current clinical study revealed matched response of IVPD and IVPG to the reduced preload rather than left ventricular relaxation. This result is an initial step in the clinical utility of CMME-derived IVPD and IVPG measurements in the diastolic function evaluation in dogs with PDA that warrants further clinical studies.

Clip ligation for treatment of patent ductus arteriosus occlusion in three cats.

Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) is a rare congenital cardiovascular anomaly in cats. Due to their small body, intercostal thoracotomy is the most common option to close the PDA. However, few reports detail the surgical technique for ligating PDA in kittens. In this case report, three cats weighing 1.4 kg, 1.2 kg, and 2.9 kg were diagnosed PDA. Clip ligation via left fourth intercostal thoracotomy was performed and the cats were successfully treated. Postoperative echocardiography showed no residual flow in any of the cases. This case report highlights clip occlusion for small cats with PDA could be safe and effective.

Silk fibroin-based vascular repairing sheet with angiogenic-promoting activity of SVVYGLR peptide regenerated the damaged vascular in rats.

Medical sheets are useful in surgically repair vascular disease. To avoid long-term side effects, they are to be replaced with regenerated tissue after implantation. Silk fibroin is a fibrous protein secreted by silkworm. The advantage of silk fibroin is its biocompatibility and has been used as regenerative artificial materials. The problem of its biodegradability is that the effect is time consuming. In this study, SVVYGLR peptide was used to expect promoting cell migration and accelerating the biodegradation of silk fibroin. Silk fibroin and polyurethane-based medical sheets with or without SVVYGLR peptide were implanted in rat abdominal aorta (silk fibroin/polyurethane/SVVYGLR peptide versus silk fibroin/polyurethane). The result of histological evaluation indicated that the new cell layer created under both sheets was composed of endothelial cells, smooth muscle, and fibroin in both sheets and similar to a native vessel. Both sheets did not show any excessive inflammation or calcification, and moderate biodegradability was observed. The decrease of silk fibroin indicated the biodegradability of all sheets. Silk fibroin/polyurethane/SVVYGLR peptide had many small vessels in the regenerated tissue than silk fibroin/polyurethane. This appearance indicated that SVVYGLR peptide promoted the angiogenesis in the regenerative tissue. This study suggested that SVVYGLR peptide could give the angiogenic-promoting activity to silk fibroin-based vascular repairing sheet.

Treatment of portal vein thrombosis using vascular access port implantation in a Dalmatian dog: A case report.

Background: Portal vein thrombosis is a disease with potentially deleterious outcomes including portal vein hypertension and intestinal infarction. The factors contributing is various; however, dogs with with acute portal vein thrombosis or multiple thromboses are less likely to survive. Therefore, acute development of portal hypertension has a requires an immediate treatment. Case Description: A 10-year-old Dalmatian was referred for syncope and azotemia, hyperammonemia. After each examinations including computed tomography scan, we diagnosed with acute portal vein thrombosis with unknown cause. A portal vein port was inserted to prevent and control the portal vein thrombus. The port was placed in abdomen subcutaneously after the position of the catheter were stabilized. Low-molecular-weight heparin was injected from the port to manage thrombosis after the operation. This case responded well to this treatment. Syncope and azotemia, hyperammonemia resolved and no relapse of thrombosis was found 6 months after the operation. Conclusion: Implantable vascular access port is a drug delivery system with the advantage of dealing with treatment-resistant acute portal vein thrombosis.