Primary non-lymphomatous hepatobiliary tumours are rare in cats, representing 1.0–2.9

Objective:To investigate the safety and complication rate of 2 vessel-sealing devices (VSDs) used for hepatic surgery in dogs. Methods:This was a retrospective study from 6 institutions from January 2012 through June 2024 including dogs that underwent a complete or partial liver lobectomy or a liver biopsy using a VSD as the sole method. Surgical complications based on the type of liver lobectomy, severity of complication, type of VSD used, mass size, and liver lobe location were reported as the percentage of dogs experiencing the event of interest. Group differences were compared using a 2-tailed Fisher exact or χ2 test. Maximal tumor diameter in relation to complication type was assessed using a Kruskal-Wallis test. Statistical significance was set at P = .05. Results:58 dogs were included in the study. For liver lobectomy cases, complications occurred in 42 of 48 dogs and were mostly minor. No differences in complications were noted based on liver mass size, liver lobe location, type of liver lobectomy performed, severity of complication, or type of VSD used. Intra- or postoperatively, biliary leakage occurred in 4 of 48 dogs. The complication rate for dogs undergoing a liver biopsy was 5 of 10 and consisted of minor bleeding in 90% of the cases. Conclusions:Despite the high incidence of minor complications, VSD can be safely used for hepatic surgery in dogs. The ability of the 2 VSDs used to seal bile ducts when a liver lobectomy is performed requires further investigation. Clinical Relevance:VSDs can be considered an alternative method for performing liver lobectomies in dogs.

OBJECTIVE:To evaluate the feasibility, complications and outcomes of thoracoscopic resection of cranial mediastinal masses in cats. STUDY DESIGN:Multi-institutional retrospective study. ANIMALS:A total of 17 client-owned cats. METHODS:Data collected from medical records of cats that underwent thoracoscopic surgery for cranial mediastinal masses between January 2019 and December 2024 included signalment, history, clinicopathologic features, preoperative diagnostic imaging and tumor measurement, anesthesiologic and surgical procedures, complications, and short- or long-term follow-ups. RESULTS:The most common clinical sign was dyspnea. All cats started with thoracoscopic surgical exploration. Non-emergent conversion to an open procedure (sternotomy or video-assisted procedures [VATS]) was necessary in six of 17 (35.29%) cats, with conversions primarily occurring in cases with masses larger than 5 cm. The median maximal tumor diameter was 6 cm (range: 2.2-8.1 cm). The most common tumor type was thymoma, identified in 12 of 17 (70.59%) cats. All cats survived the perioperative period and were alive at the short-term follow-up. Mean survival time was 390.62 days. CONCLUSION:The presence of larger tumor sizes and adhesions were associated with higher conversion rates to open or VATS procedures, underscoring the importance of tumor dimensions in surgical planning. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE:Thoracoscopic surgery for cranial mediastinal masses in cats is technically feasible, with favorable short-24 and long-term outcomes. Conversion rates were lower in cats with smaller masses without adhesions in this study.

A 13-year-old, 5.5 kg, spayed female domestic shorthair cat was presented to the veterinary clinic for evaluation of behavioral changes. The cat had been diagnosed with hyperthyroidism two years prior and was currently receiving oral methimazole to control the condition. The cat's owners also described increased nocturnal activity, excessive vocalization, and an unexpected strengthening of their bond with the other house cat over the past two months. Despite house soiling, this was not the client's primary concern. A CT scan revealed the right adrenal mass, associated with reduced size of the contralateral gland. Given the potential link between a sex-hormone-producing adrenal tumor and the behavioral changes, adrenalectomy was strongly recommended and subsequently accepted by the owners. Following surgery, the cat's sexual and social behaviors ceased. Two weeks postoperatively, sex hormone levels were found to be within the normal range for a spayed female cat.

The presence of adhesion created by an adrenal tumor (AT) with adjacent structures is important information for surgical planning. We aimed to establish the accuracy of computed tomography (CT) in predicting adrenal tumor adhesion (ATA) with adjacent organs and vessels. This prospective multicenter study enrolled 30 dogs and 2 cats with AT, pre- and post-contrast CT, and adrenalectomy. Images were reviewed by five blinded radiologists using consensus-based CT criteria for adhesions (five criteria for vessels and eight for organs). During surgery, ATA was observed in 27/32 patients (84.4%). A single criterion alone could not predict the presence of adhesion. Using a probabilistic classification tree, combinations of two or more criteria with other variables (side, image quality, and tumor rupture) showed good accuracy in predicting ATA for some organs and vessels. For vessels, the combination of some criteria could predict the presence of adhesion: for example, for the caudal vena cava, a combination of criteria 1 + 3 + 4 + 5 in a right AT had an accuracy of 86.2%; for the renal vein, the combined 1 + 2+ 3 + 4 + 5 criteria had an accuracy of 84.8% and 93.8% in a CT study of excellent quality. For organs, a combination of specific criteria could predict adhesion: for the kidney, the combination 1 + 2+ 3 + 4 + 5 had an accuracy of 90%. Radiologist's agreement for detecting ATA was excellent (>80%). A combination of repeatable CT criteria could provide probabilistic information for the presence of ATA with adjacent organs and vessels.

CASE HISTORY:Medical records of cases with pleural effusion managed with the PleuralPort device (PPD) were reviewed retrospectively at two veterinary hospitals in Italy. Cases with PPD placement at initial or second surgery and with a minimum follow-up of 4 weeks were included. Data retrieved from the records included signalment, fluid analysis, duration of implantation, duration of function, and complications. The PPD was placed subcutaneously in the dorsal thorax and connected to a drainage tube inserted in the pleural space. Complications were divided into intra-operative, short-term (≤ 12 weeks) and long-term (> 12 weeks). Owners were contacted by telephone for follow-up information, using a non-standardised questionnaire. CLINICAL FINDINGS:A total of 30 animals were included in the study: 26 dogs and four cats. Pleural fluid was compatible with chylothorax (22/30), neoplastic pleural effusion (5/30) and inflammatory pleural effusion (3/30).No intra-operative complications were reported. Overall, post-operative complications occurred in 9/30 (30%) patients. Major complications developed in six (20%) cases, including infection, tube kinking, pneumothorax and obstruction. Minor complications in four cases (13.3%) included skin inflammation, discomfort and dislocation of the device. Short-term complications developed in 7/30 (23.3%) cases and long-term complications in 3/22 (13.6%) cases that survived longer than 12 weeks after surgery. Owner satisfaction was very good in 28/30 (93.3%) cases. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE:The PPD was well tolerated by the animals and was a feasible alternative to thoracostomy tubes for the management of chronic pleural effusion in dogs and cats. Although complications were relatively common, they were easily treated in most patients.

Objective:To report the outcome of total lung lobectomy with self-ligating loop in cats. Animals:This was a retrospective case series of cats that underwent total lung lobectomy with self-ligating loop between January 2020 and February 2025. Data regarding signalment, history, physical examination, diagnostics, surgical approach, lung lobe affected, hospitalization length, intraoperative/postoperative complications, and short- and long-term outcomes were analyzed. Clinical Presentation:13 cats were included: 9 domestic shorthair, 2 domestic longhair, 1 Maine Coon, and 1 Burmese. Clinical signs included respiratory distress (4 of 13), lethargy (4 of 13), cough (3 of 13), hyporexia (3 of 13), dyspnea (2 of 13), vomiting (2 of 13), and pyrexia (1 of 13). Six cats suffered from more than 1 clinical sign. Results:A total of 14 lung lobectomies were performed via either right (n = 2) or left (5) intercostal thoracotomy, median sternotomy (4), or video-assisted thoracic surgery (2). No major intraoperative complications occurred. Temporary hypoxemia was recorded during a video-assisted thoracic surgery procedure in 1 case and resolved with thoracic lift. Eleven cats survived hospital discharge. Minor postoperative complications (wound inflammation, vomiting, hyperthermia) occurred in 3 cats, while major postoperative complications (pleural effusion, intrathoracic infection) occurred in 3 cats. No revision surgery was necessary in any case. Three cats underwent humane euthanasia due to a sudden deterioration secondary to the underlying disease in the immediate postoperative period (catastrophic complication). On long-term follow-up, 7 cats were alive and no long-term complications related to the lobectomy were reported. Clinical Relevance:Lung lobectomy with self-ligating loop provides a safe technique for total lung lobectomy and can be considered as an alternative when thoracic stapler is not available in cats.

To evaluate the feasibility and accuracy of vertebral pedicle screws in cats using a custom 3D-printed drill guide and 3D-printed vertebral columns. To simulate the surgical procedure, six vertebral columns from adult cats were 3D-printed. The columns were printed with a radiolucent material (PLA enriched with calcium carbonate—PLA+). One 3D-printed guide was created for each vertebra (from T10 to L7). Each preplanned hole was drilled and filled with a graphite cylinder for better visualization of the tunnel. All the phantoms were CT-scanned after the drilling operation. Each hole was graded using a modified classification scheme (grades 0 to 3) and compared to the planned tunnel angle. We enrolled one 5-year-old female patient with spinal trauma requiring vertebral stabilization presented at our hospital. A total of 126 holes were drilled. The overall mean screw deviation angle was 0.61 degrees (SD = 0.72). In safety evaluation, 117 (93%) screws were contained in the pedicle (grade 0), 7 screws (5.5%) were outside the pedicle by less than 0.5 mm (grade 1), and 2 (1.5%) screws were between 0.5 and 1 mm outside the pedicle. In the thoracic segment, all the holes (48/48) were classified as a grade 0, while in the lumbar segment, with a total of 78 holes drilled, there were 69 holes classified as grade 0 (88%), 7 holes classified as grade 1 (8.9%), and 2 holes classified as grade 2 (2.5%). The feline patient had suffered a T12 complete oblique vertebral body fracture. A total of six 1.7 mm screws, 20 mm long, (Fix-In, INTRAUMA) were placed: three in T12 and three in T13. Overall, there was a mean deviation of the hole angle from the planned angle of 0.61 degrees. The overall safety was 91.2% (screws graded as 0). A statistically significant association between screw grades and vertebral segment was found (p-value 0.02) as all the thoracic vertebrae are grade 0, while grade 1 and grade 2 were found only in the lumbar segment. Using pedicle screws in cats' vertebrae may reduce surgical trauma, as it requires exposure of only the most dorsal portion of the vertebral lamina, avoiding the need to expose the costal attachments. Also, placing cement dorsally is easier and can incorporate screw heads bilaterally. We effectively and safely performed the surgical procedure in one clinical case. Based on our results, the use of pedicle screws, previously applied in canine patients, could also be extended to feline patients, provided that 3D-printed guides are used to ensure accurate placement.

OBJECTIVE:To describe the use of the lateral caudal axial pattern flap in cats for reconstructing caudodorsal trunk defects in cats, and to report complication types, complication rates, and flap outcomes. STUDY DESIGN:Retrospective study. ANIMALS:Fourteen client-owned cats. METHODS:Medical records of cats that underwent reconstruction of caudodorsal defects using a lateral caudal axial pattern flap were reviewed retrospectively. Recorded data included signalment, cause, and dimensions of the defect, flap dimensions (length, width, percentage of tail length), intraoperative and short-term postoperative complications, and flap outcomes. RESULTS:The flap was used to cover defects following tumor excision in 85.7% of cats. The mean flap length relative to tail length was 61.3%. Intraoperative complications occurred in 1/14 cats (7.1%), and postoperative complications in 7/14 cats (50%). The most common complications were partial flap dehiscence (14.2%), seroma (14.2%), and edema (14.2%). In 8/14 cats (57.1%), flap healing was uncomplicated, and in 6/14 cats (42.8%), only minor complications were observed. CONCLUSION:The lateral caudal axial pattern flap appears to be a valid option for closing defects in the caudodorsal region of the trunk in cats. The flap length relative to tail length was similar to values reported in dogs. Although the overall complication rate may be higher in cats, the majority of cats experienced either no complications or only minor ones. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE:This axial pattern flap constitutes a reliable and effective reconstructive technqiue for the closure of cutaneoaus defects located in the caudodorsal region of the feline trunk.

OBJECTIVE:The objective of the present study was to report the outcome of a novel technique of urethral intra-abdominal anastomosis after transabdominal wall passage of the penis in a dog with stent-related urethral obstruction. STUDY DESIGN:Case report. ANIMAL:A seven-year-old neutered male Cocker Spaniel. METHODS:The dog was evaluated for urinary retention and overflow incontinence of approximately 1-year duration. The dog had a urethral self-expanding metallic stent placed 6 years prior as treatment for pelvic urethral stricture, secondary to severe pelvic trauma. Stent fracture and stent-related tissue hyperplasia were diagnosed leading to intrapelvic urethral obstruction and concomitant atonic bladder complicated by cystolithiasis and urinary tract infection. An intra-abdominal urethral anastomosis was performed to restore urethral patency, after passing the penis through the abdominal wall, into the inguinal area; the surgery was successful in bypassing the urethral obstruction. RESULTS:No contrast leakage was noted on positive contrast cystourethrography 10 days postoperatively. The urinary bladder was easily emptied by manual expression and bethanechol was started. At 6-months follow-up, the urinary bladder remained atonic but was easily emptied by manual expression, with mild urinary incontinence remaining. No signs of recurrent urinary tract infections were noted. Nine months after surgery the dog was euthanized for reasons unrelated to the surgery. CONCLUSION:The transabdominal wall urethral anastomosis, after penile abdominal tunnelization resulted in bypassing the urethral obstruction in this dog, restoring urethral patency. The technique reported could be a viable surgical option for restoring urethral patency in dogs with severe pelvic urethral damage or obstructive lesions.

ObjectiveTo evaluate the outcomes and complications of video-assisted thoracoscopic (VATS) treatment of chylothorax in cats.Study designMulti-institutional retrospective study.AnimalsFifteen client-owned cats.MethodsThe medical records of cats undergoing thoracoscopic thoracic duct ligation (TDL) for treatment of idiopathic chylothorax were reviewed. Cats undergoing additional procedures including thoracoscopic pericardectomy and/or laparoscopic cisterna chyli ablation (CCA)_were included. Follow up was obtained through communication with the referring veterinarian or owner.ResultsAll cats underwent thoracoscopic TDL. Thirteen cats underwent simultaneous pericardectomy and two cats underwent laparoscopic CCA without pericardectomy. Conversion from a thoracoscopic to open approach was necessary in 2/15 (13%) of thoracic duct ligations and 1/11 (9%) of pericardectomies. The most common postoperative complication was persistent pleural effusion in five cats (33%). Four of 15 cats (27%) died or were euthanized prior to hospital discharge following surgery. Recurrence of effusion occurred in 1/7 (14%) of cats that sustained resolution of the effusion at the time of surgery with a median follow up of 8 months. The overall mortality attributed to chylothorax was 47%.ConclusionThoracoscopic treatment of idiopathic chylothorax resulted in a low incidence of intraoperative complications or conversion in the study population; however, mortality related to feline idiopathic chylothorax remained high.Clinical significanceWhile VATS treatment of idiopathic chylothorax is technically feasible, further consideration of the underlying pathology and current treatment algorithm is needed to improve outcomes as this remains a frustrating disease to treat in the feline population.

ObjectivesTo investigate the use of endovascular gastrointestinal stapling devices to perform intestinal functional end‐to‐end stapled anastomosis in small dogs and cats.Materials and MethodsMedical records of dogs (≤10 kg) and cats that underwent intestinal resection and functional end‐to‐end stapled anastomosis with an endovascular gastrointestinal anastomosis (endovascular‐GIA) stapling device at five small animal referral centres between April 2014 and September 2023 were retrospectively reviewed. Data including clinical findings, surgical technique, histopathology and complications were collected. A minimum follow‐up of 10 days was required. Patients with follow‐up of less than 10 days were included if they developed a major complication. Outcome was obtained from assessing the clinical records and contacting the referring veterinarians or owners. Estimated survival was generated according to the Kaplan–Meier method. Differences between survival curves were tested by log‐rank test.ResultsTwenty‐five patients (10 dogs and 15 cats) were included. The median bodyweight was 4.6 kg (range 2.6 to 10 kg). Nine patients were diagnosed with intestinal neoplasia, 16 with non‐neoplastic intestinal disease. The median follow‐up was 126 days (range 18 to 896 days). Five patients developed minor postoperative complications, including three superficial surgical site infections. No major postoperative complications were reported. Eighteen patients were alive at the end of the study, one patient was lost to follow‐up. Kaplan–Meier estimated median survival time was not reached. Survival was significantly longer for patients with non‐neoplastic versus neoplastic intestinal.Clinical SignificanceThe study suggests that the use of endovascular gastrointestinal anastomosis staplers is safe and effective to perform intestinal functional end‐to‐end stapled anastomosis in dogs ≤10 kg and cats.

ObjectivesTo describe the clinical features and oncologic outcome for cats with primary rib tumours.Materials and MethodsMedical records for cats with surgically treated primary rib tumours from six veterinary referral centres were reviewed. Signalment, preoperative clinical signs, reconstruction technique, and surgical and oncologic outcome were retrieved from medical records or by telephone interview with owners and/or referring veterinarians.ResultsOf the eight cats with primary rib tumours, three had hemangiosarcoma, two had osteosarcoma and one cat each had chondrosarcoma, osteochondroma and osteoma. The size of the primary rib mass ranged from 2 × 2 × 1.6 cm to 9 × 7 × 7.5 cm. Three minor and one major complication developed during the immediate post‐operative period. Surgery consisted of thoracic wall resection in all cats. All animals survived the procedure and the median time to discharge was 3 days. The survival time for benign tumours was 150 (case 5) and 466 (case 4) days, while for malignant tumours ranged from 105 to 550 days (cases 1 to 3, cases 6 to 8).Clinical SignificanceHemangiosarcoma and osteosarcoma were the most represented primary rib tumours in this cohort of cats. Wide surgical excision and adjuvant chemotherapy is recommended for cats with hemangiosarcoma and osteosarcoma, but the prognosis remains guarded. Prognosis appears to be fair for the other tumour types.

OBJECTIVE To report the perioperative outcome and complications in cats undergoing minimally invasive splenectomy. ANIMALS 17 client-owned cats. METHODS Perioperative data were collected from cats undergoing minimally invasive splenectomy from September 2010 to June 2023. Data included history, signalment, preoperative examination and diagnostic testing results, operative technique and time, perioperative outcomes, complications, hospitalization duration, histopathological diagnosis, and outcome. RESULTS 13 spayed females and 4 neutered males were included, with a median age of 144 months (48 to 196 months). Seven cats underwent total laparoscopic splenectomy (TLS), with 1 cat requiring conversion from TLS to laparoscopic-assisted splenectomy (LAS) due to splenomegaly and an additional cat requiring conversion from TLS to open splenectomy due to uncontrollable splenic capsular hemorrhage. Ten cats underwent LAS, with 1 cat requiring conversion to open splenectomy due to splenomegaly. Additional procedures were performed in 13 cats, with the most common being liver biopsy in 10 cats. Median operative times were 50 minutes (45 to 90 minutes) for TLS and 35 minutes (25 to 80 minutes) for LAS. An intraoperative complication occurred in 1 cat. All but 1 cat survived to discharge. Median follow-up time was 234 days (18 to 1,761 days), with 15 of 16 cats confirmed alive at 30 days and 9 of 16 cats alive at 180 days postoperatively. CLINICAL RELEVANCE Minimally invasive splenectomy in this cohort of cats was associated with short operative times and a low perioperative complication rate. Veterinary surgeons may consider minimally invasive splenectomy as an efficient and feasible technique in the treatment of splenomegaly or modestly sized splenic masses for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes in cats.

A 3 yr old spayed female Cavalier King Charles spaniel was referred for insidious ataxia and paraparesis. A thoracolumbar lesion was suspected. Computed tomography showed focal osteolysis of the vertebral body and pedicles of T5. In addition, a hyperdense, extradural material within the vertebral canal, causing spinal cord compression on the right side, was present. The lesion was confirmed with magnetic resonance imaging. A T4-T5 hemi-dorsal laminectomy was performed to decompress the spinal cord. Histopathological examination was consistent with vertebral angiomatosis. After the surgery, the dog rapidly improved; however, 5 mo later the clinical signs relapsed. Vertebral angiomatosis is a vasoproliferative disorder, rarely reported as a cause of myelopathy in cats. This condition has not previously been reported in dogs. This case report describes the clinical features, the diagnostic findings, and the follow-up of a young dog with vertebral angiomatosis.

OBJECTIVES:To describe the clinical presentation, diagnostic findings, surgical treatment and outcome of dogs diagnosed with parotid duct ectasia.MATERIALS AND METHODS:Medical records of dogs diagnosed with parotid duct ectasia between 2010 and 2023 at six small animal referral hospitals were retrospectively reviewed. Outcome was assessed by contacting the owners or referring veterinarians.RESULTS:Fourteen dogs were included. Lateral facial swelling was the most common clinical presentation. CT revealed a tortuous cavitary tubular fluid-filled structure consistent with a dilated parotid duct in all dogs. Surgical treatment included marsupialisation of the parotid duct papilla, surgical exploration of the duct alone, parotid duct marsupialisation with surgical exploration of the duct, parotidectomy or en-bloc parotid duct resection. The aetiology of parotid duct ectasia was not established in 13 of 14 dogs. In one case, a foreign body was retrieved from the duct. No recurrence of clinical signs was noted during the follow-up period (range 21 to 2900 days).CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE:Parotid duct ectasia should be considered for dogs with a lateralised fluctuant non-painful tubular facial swelling. Surgical management was associated with a favourable prognosis without evidence of recurrence in all cases reported in the case series.

ObjectiveTo describe the surgical management and outcome of dogs undergoing laparoscopic pancreatic mass resection (LPMR).Study designRetrospective study.AnimalsTwelve client-owned dogs.MethodsData collected from medical records of dogs that underwent LPMR between 2012 and 2023 included signalment, clinical signs, mass location within pancreas, preoperative diagnostic imaging, laparoscopic approach, number of portals and device type used for LPMR, operating time, complications and clinical outcome.ResultsPancreatic tumors were located in the left lobe (7), in the right lobe (4) and in the body of the pancreas (1). A 3- or 4-port technique was used in nine and three dogs, respectively. LPMR was performed with the Ligasure in nine dogs, a harmonic scalpel in two dogs and an endoscopic stapler in one dog. The procedure was performed successfully, with no conversion to open laparotomy, in all cases with a median operating time of 69 min. Postoperative complications occurred in four dogs, which resolved with medical treatments. All dogs survived the surgical procedure, were discharged from the hospital and alive a minimum of 90 days postoperatively. The final follow-up time ranged between 105 and 245 days (median 147). Histopathological diagnosis included insulinoma (9) and pancreatic carcinoma (3).ConclusionLPMR was performed successfully using a 3- or 4-port technique and was associated with a low complication rate and a good clinical outcome.Clinical significanceLPMR may be considered as an alternative to open celiotomy in dogs, particularly for small tumors located in the distal aspect of the pancreatic lobes.

Case series summary Twenty-nine cats from different institutions with confirmed or highly suspected primary hyperaldosteronism treated by unilateral adrenalectomy were retrospectively included in this study. The most frequent clinical signs were lethargy (n = 20; 69%) and neck ventroflexion (n = 17; 59%). Hypokalaemia was present in all cats, creatinine kinase was elevated in 15 and hyperaldosteronism was documented in 24. Hypertension was frequently encountered (n = 24; 89%). Preoperative treatment included potassium supplementation (n = 19; 66%), spironolactone (n = 16; 55%) and amlodipine (n = 11; 38%). There were 13 adrenal masses on the right side, 15 on the left and, in one cat, no side was reported. The median adrenal mass size was 2 × 1.5 cm (range 1–4.6 × 0.4–3.8); vascular invasion was present in five cats, involving the caudal vena cava in four cats and the renal vein in one. Median duration of surgery was 57 mins. One major intraoperative complication (3%) was reported and consisted of haemorrhage during the removal of a neoplastic thrombus from the caudal vena cava. In 4/29 cats (14%), minor postoperative complications occurred and were treated medically. One fatal complication (3%) was observed, likely due to disseminated intravascular coagulation. The median duration of hospitalisation was 4 days; 97% of cats survived to discharge. The potassium level normalised in 24 cats within 3 months of surgery; hypertension resolved in 21/23 cats. Follow-up was available for 25 cats with a median survival of 1082 days. Death in the long-term follow-up was mainly related to worsening of comorbidities. Relevance and novel information Adrenalectomy appears to be a safe and effective treatment with a high rate of survival and a low rate of major complications. Long-term medical treatment was not required.

Background: Congenital extra-hepatic porto-systemic shunts (CEPS) are a non-rare vascular anomaly observed in dogs, most commonly in small and toy pure breeds. Computed tomographic angiography (CTA) examination is considered the gold standard imaging modality for the diagnosis of anomalous vascular connections.Case Description: An anomalous congenital porto-pulmonary shunt was incidentally diagnosed in a 5-year-old French Bulldog. The anomalous vessel originated from the ventral aspect of the portal vein and went cranially towards the esophageal hiatus, entering the lobar vein of the caudal left pulmonary lobe. The dog did not show any significant clinical or computed tomography angiography-perceived hepatic abnormalities and no signs of portal hypertension were evidenced. No case of porto-pulmonary shunt in veterinary medicine have ever been reported, while in humans it was rarely described secondarily to portal hypertension, severe hepatopathies or complex cardiac malformations.Conclusion: CTA must be considered the best imaging modality for the diagnosis also of unusual CEPS and in the author's opinion the congenital porto-pulmonary shunt described in the patient was of little or no clinical relevance.

Background:Diaphragmatic herniorraphy is the treatment of choice for traumatic diaphragmatic hernia (TDH). Several methods have been described for the removal of residual air and fluid during and after surgery, such as the insertion of chest drains, intercostal thoracentesis, and transdiaphragmatic thoracentesis. However, there are no indications regarding the most useful technique and the impact that choice of technique could have in the immediate postoperative period.Aim:To evaluate the development of complications and outcomes associated with the use of intraoperative transdiaphragmatic thoracentesis in cats undergoing diaphragmatic herniorrhaphy for TDH.Methods:Medical records of cats treated for acute and chronic TDH between 2010 and 2019 were reviewed. Cats were included if intraoperative pneumothorax was treated with transdiaphragmatic thoracentesis, without the use of intercostal chest drain. Outcome, intra- and post-operative complications were recorded.Results:Intraoperative and postoperative complication rates were 3.3% and 12.4%, respectively. Development of postoperative pneumothorax was associated with the presence of comorbidities (p = 0.046). The overall survival rate was 93.3%. Long-term survival had a significant association with the presence of comorbidities (p = 0.045), if the procedure was performed as an emergency (p = 0.041) or in older cats (p = 0.011).Conclusion:Intraoperative transdiaphragmatic thoracentesis could be considered an effective method for the removal of residual air after surgery for TDH, because it ensures a good outcome for the patient, with low development of complications, especially for uncomplicated cases. The presence of comorbidities, the need to perform a surgical procedure in emergency, and the age of the patient can be considered factors influencing the development of complications. Critical patient selection, based on assessment of potential risk factors for complications is warranted to understand which patient will benefit from thoracostomy tube placement.