Two New Zealand outbreaks of norovirus gastroenteritis linked to commercially farmed oysters.

Aim: We report on the investigations of two gastroenteritis outbreaks, which were linked to a common source.

Methods: Retrospective cohort studies were conducted for two gastroenteritis outbreaks which occurred in Auckland and in Waikato. Faecal samples and samples of oyster meat were analysed.

Tibial tuberosity advancement in 92 canine stifles: initial results, clinical outcome and owner evaluation.

Objective: To investigate the clinical outcomes, complications and owners' evaluation of the tibial tuberosity advancement (TTA) procedure in canine stifles.

Methods: A retrospective study of hospital records was performed to identify dogs diagnosed with partial or complete cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) rupture that had undergone TTA repair. Information obtained included signalment, period of lameness, surgical report, evidence of meniscal injury, postoperative recovery and peri-operative complications.

Permethrin toxicity in cats: a retrospective study of 20 cases.

Objective: Permethrin is a synthetic pyrethroid widely used in flea control products for small animals. Accidental toxicity can occur with off-label usage, and cats are particularly susceptible.

Methods: Retrospective study of 20 cases of permethrin toxicity in cats treated at an emergency clinic in Brisbane, Queensland from October 2004 to June 2005.

Surgical repair of ruptured Achilles tendon in sportsmen and sedentary patients: a longitudinal ultrasound assessment.

Ultrasound scanning was performed at different postoperative times on a total of 22 patients who underwent an end-to-end suture using absorbable material following a full thickness subcutaneous rupture of their Achilles tendon. All ultrasonic examinations were performed using a 5 MHz sectorial probe. The parameters taken into account were the size of the tendon, its borders and echographic pattern, the possible surgical sequelae, and residual pathology.

Ultrasonographic findings in subcutaneous rupture of Achilles tendon.

Twelve patients who had suffered a subcutaneous rupture of the tendo calcaneous underwent real-time ultrasonography using a 5 MHz sectorial probe. The main findings were the disappearance of the path of the tendon, haematoma formation, and alterations of the echogenicity of the Kager's triangle.