| P a g e ObjectiveTo highlight the characteristics of persons convicted for offences related to animal hoarding in NSW Australia, document the outcomes of cases and compare these to overseas studies. DesignRetrospective case series. MethodsRecords of finalised prosecutions for offences relating to animal hoarding between 2005 and 2011 were examined. Data recorded included: the age of each subject at the first offence, gender, postcode, occupation, living conditions, number of charges, number of prosecutions, title of each charge, number and species of live animals, whether animals needed veterinary attention, the medical conditions that the animals suffered, whether dead animals were on the property, how animals were obtained, veterinary and legal costs accrued and case outcomes. The data were analysed to obtain frequencies and relative frequencies for categorical variables and summary statistics for quantitative variables. Observed frequencies were compared using Chi-square test with the expected frequencies calculated based on the Australian Bureau of Statistics for NSW. ResultsThe number of persons included was 29. Most were female (72.4%), 82% were 40-64 years of age at their first offence. Almost one third (31%) identified themselves as breeders, 27% were pensioners and 13.8% unemployed. Most resided in inner regional Australia (45%), 28% lived in major cities and 28% lived in outer regional Australia. Dogs were the species hoarded most frequently (79%). Animals requiring veterinary attention were identified in all cases. Dead animals were found on premises in 41.4% of cases. ConclusionsPersons prosecuted for charges relating to animal hoarding in NSW have similar

Objective: To compare mechanisms of and pressures at failure of 4 methods of securing 2 types of cellophane bands around a vein. Study design: Ex vivo mechanical evaluation. Methods: Cellophane bands composed of 3 or 4 layers were applied around a cadaveric external jugular vein (EJV) to create 25% or 50% attenuation. These bands were secured with a medium or medium-large polymer locking ligation clip (PLLC), or a medium or medium-large titanium ligation clip (TLC). Sterile saline 0.9% was instilled into the lumen of the EJV until a pressure of 100 mm Hg was reached. Failure mechanism and luminal pressure at failure were compared between groups. Results: Medium clips failed less often than medium-large clips (P < .001) and consistently sustained 100 mm Hg without failing. Three-layer cellophane bands were 4.1 times more likely to fail than 4-layer bands (P = .003, CI 1.6-10.2) and failed at lower pressures (28.32 ± 3.59 mm Hg and 44.81 ± 6.51 mm Hg, respectively, P = .027). Failure rates of the cellophane band constructs did not differ whether secured with PLLC or with TLC (P = .635) or with 25% vs 50% attenuation (P = .780). Conclusion: A single medium clip withstood physiological forces and secured a cellophane band at up to 50% attenuation. A 3-layer cellophane band was more likely to fail compared with a 4-layer cellophane band. Clinical significance: These ex vivo results provide evidence to support the application of a 4-layer cellophane band secured with a single medium PLLC or TLC for portosystemic shunt attenuation. A single medium PLLC should be used to eliminate computed tomography artifacts during postoperative evaluation of shunt closure.

Objectives The main purpose of this study was to design, manufacture and implant a customized three-dimensional (3D) printed, intervertebral spacer to treat disc-associated cervical spondylomyelopathy (DACSM) in dogs. This study also used advanced imaging to assess implant movement, subsidence and interbody fusion. Animals Two client-owned dogs with DACSM. Method Customized interbody devices were designed and 3D printed in titanium alloy. The devices were implanted in dogs diagnosed with DACSM. The dogs were evaluated at time points 0, 2 and 6 months to determine clinical outcome, degree of interbody fusion, implant migration and subsidence. Results Progressive fusion was noted across the affected intervertebral space by 6 months. Implants mildly shifted cranially in the 2-month interim. There was no subsidence of the intervertebral device through the vertebral end plates in dog 1 and minimal in dog 2 (∼0.5 mm). Clinically, the neurological status improved in both dogs. Conclusions The customized interbody devices restored the intervertebral space and resulted in a degree of interbody fusion and resolution of clinical signs. Clinical Significance This report illustrates preliminary outcomes of DACSM treated with a customized, end plate conforming, intervertebral device. Collaboration between clinicians and engineers with advanced manufacturing technologies can provide a cutting-edge standard of care for patients suffering from DACSM.

ObjectiveTo outline the clinical findings, surgical management, complications, and outcomes in a case of intrathoracic, traumatic, tracheal avulsion.Case SummaryA 2‐year‐old domestic shorthair cat presented with respiratory distress 18 days after a motor vehicle accident. A tracheal avulsion was diagnosed and treated by surgical anastomosis. The initial anastomosis failed. The subsequent tracheoscopic‐assisted tracheal anastomosis was successful. The cat had no further episodes of respiratory distress following the second surgery in a 9‐month follow‐up period.Unique Information ProvidedThis communication describes a complication of intrathoracic, traumatic, tracheal avulsion repair that has not previously been described and the use of tracheoscopy during the subsequent surgical procedure to ensure accurate suture placement.