A nine year-old intact tomcat was admitted into the Clinic for Small Animals because of adipsia and oliguria, which had been persisting for several weeks. A few weeks earlier the cat was treated for a complicated skin wound. Nothing but moderate dehydratation was discovered in clinical examination. For a more detailed examination of the animal’s status, blood and urine were collected for a basic check-up. All parameters were within reference values apart from mild hyponatremia. A non-specific course of the disease and blood check results aroused suspicion of feline hypoadrenocorticism (Addison’s disease). ACTH stimulation test was conducted. It revealed a failure to respond to exogenous ACTH administration, thus confirminh the initial diagnosis. An X-ray of the thorax and ultrasonography of the abdomen displayed no pathological alterations. Antibiotics and a temporary subcutaneous fluid therapy with 0.9% saline were implemented so as to restore proper hydration and electrolyte balance. Then a chronic therapy with prednisone (Encorton 5 mg) at a dose of 0.5 mg/kg body weight and fludrocortisone (Cortineff 0.1 mg) 0.05 mg/animal was applied. Over 16 months have passed since the primary diagnosis was made. During that time the health status of the cat has remained satisfactory apart from a temporary deterioration due to the appearance of a strong stressing agent, which necessitated the application of a short course of fluid therapy, doubling of prednisone doses and supplementation of phosphor. Rapid response to the modified therapy has confirmed the accuracy of the initial diagnosis. Moreover, a typical course of feline hypoadrenocorticism, available diagnostic methods as well as factors affecting prognosis were discussed.
The challenge for cardiovascular tissue engineers is to design hemocompatible biomaterials that promote neo-tissue formation. Cardiovascular implants are prone to occlusion caused by surface thrombogenicity. In native tissue non-thrombogenic surface is provided by the endothelium. Endothelialization of implantable cardiovascular devices is thereby among the techniques of functionalizing biomaterials. Surfaces covered with peptides have been shown to enhance endothelial cells adhesion and proliferation. For the purpose of further cell-specifi c peptides immobilization, a three-step method for incorporating carboxyl groups onto a polyurethane surface was developed. In the fi rst step silanol groups were incorporated into the polyurethane surface. Successful reaction was proven by FTIR analysis. Subsequently, incorporation of surface amine groups was proceeded. In the last step amine groups were acylated using glutaric anhydride to create carboxylates. To determine the presence of surface functional groups, colorimetric method was applied. Measurement of water contact angle revealed signifi cant increase in surface hydrophilicity.