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OBJECTIVES To report short-term radiographic and clinical outcome and complications following tibial plateau levelling osteotomy for the treatment of cranial cruciate ligament insufficiency in dogs less than 18·1 kg with tibial plateau angle greater than 35° using anatomically contoured six-hole locking compression plates. METHODS Retrospective data were collected on: preoperative, postoperative and follow-up tibial plateau angles, plateau segment rotation, tibial tuberosity width and length of the cranial aspect of tibial tuberosity segment from the patellar tendon insertion and rotation of the tibial plateau below the level of the insertion of the patellar ligament. RESULTS In 26 small dogs (29 stifles in total), mean preoperative, postoperative and follow-up tibial plateau angles were 38·2°, 4·8°, and 4·4°, respectively. Documented postoperative complications were limited to patellar tendinopathy in a single case (3·4%) and tibial tuberosity or fibula fracture were not observed. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE Short-term radiographic and clinical outcome of tibial plateau levelling osteotomy stabilised with anatomically contoured six-hole locking compression plates for the treatment of small dogs with large tibial plateau angle suggests a very low risk of complications. Rotation beyond the “safe point” is necessary to perform full rotation in some cases, but does not appear to incur an increased risk of tibial tuberosity fracture.

To report short-term radiographic and clinical outcome and complications following tibial plateau levelling osteotomy for the treatment of cranial cruciate ligament insufficiency in dogs less than 18·1 kg with tibial plateau angle greater than 35° using anatomically contoured six-hole locking compression plates.Retrospective data were collected on: preoperative, postoperative and follow-up tibial plateau angles, plateau segment rotation, tibial tuberosity width and length of the cranial aspect of tibial tuberosity segment from the patellar tendon insertion and rotation of the tibial plateau below the level of the insertion of the patellar ligament.In 26 small dogs (29 stifles in total), mean preoperative, postoperative and follow-up tibial plateau angles were 38·2°, 4·8°, and 4·4°, respectively. Documented postoperative complications were limited to patellar tendinopathy in a single case (3·4%) and tibial tuberosity or fibula fracture were not observed.Short-term radiographic and clinical outcome of tibial plateau levelling osteotomy stabilised with anatomically contoured six-hole locking compression plates for the treatment of small dogs with large tibial plateau angle suggests a very low risk of complications. Rotation beyond the "safe point" is necessary to perform full rotation in some cases, but does not appear to incur an increased risk of tibial tuberosity fracture.

The trotting gait of 10 sound, adult labrador retrievers was analysed using kinematic gait analysis on a purpose-built treadmill using video-based motion analysis software. The maximal angular displacement, minimal angular displacement, average angular displacement, and the maximal positive and negative angular velocities of the right elbow and right stifle were measured over five gait cycles at defined time points during each of five two-minute sessions. The dogs' trotting gait was not repeatable, either for individual dogs during the first session or between sessions, or between dogs at the same time points during a session.

SummaryWe studied the familiarisation time required to obtain reliable sagittal plane kinematics for the elbow and stifle joints in eleven treadmill-naïve greyhounds trotting on a treadmill. Motion analysis software was used to measure sagittal elbow and stifle joint movements and to calculate joint angular velocities. After a twominute walking initiation period, the dogs trotted for two and a half minutes. Three trials of three seconds (27 to 30, 72 to 75 and 117 to 120 seconds) trotting, each comprising four complete strides, were analysed. The angle versus time and angular velocity versus time graphs were plotted. For each stride, angular velocity and angular velocity data at key points during the gait cycle were recorded. These angles corresponded with the flexion and extension angles and the peak angular velocities of the elbow and stifle joints during stance and swing phase. Reliable elbow and stifle joint kinematics were obtained within 30 seconds of trotting, which did not differ significantly over the twominute test period indicating that the dogs had familiarised to the treadmill.

The scientist asks a statistician the question: ‘should we incorporate time as a factor in our factorial designs or measure the response at various time-points?’ Advantages and disadvantages of the approaches are discussed. The aspects to be considered include: the relative costs of performing the experiment, the response measurement and the statistical analysis; the quality of the data collected and the information to be gained from the experimentation; implications for possible designs; implications for setting up, analysis and interpretation of designs in standard software available to scientists; and pitfalls to avoid. The field of chemical process investigation is used to illustrate some of the issues involved. In some scientific areas the experimental or resource issues may be overriding and the answer obvious. For the chemist, in some cases the only choice will be the factorial design which includes time as a factor due to experimental reasons but in most cases the appropriate answer depends on careful consideration of the aspects listed above. The paper illustrates the importance of a partnership between scientist and statistician in addressing the practical application of statistical techniques. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Young people are at risk from sexually transmitted infections (STIs)—the incidence of chlamydia in the UK is highest among young women aged 16–19. Despite this, young people lack knowledge about STIs and are more aware of the risks of unwanted pregnancy than their risk of acquiring an STI. This study used qualitative and quantitative methods to examine what teenagers know about STIs, their prevention, symptoms, treatment and services. Only one-third of respondents recognized chlamydia as an STI. The little knowledge of STIs that was revealed was superficial. Few were aware that special services existed for STIs. Condoms were seen as contraception, not as a method of preventing infection transmission. High teenage pregnancy rates have received much publicity but less attention has been paid to rising STI incidence. Programmes aimed at decreasing pregnancy rates through adoption of effective hormonal contraception not only fail to address STIs but may be detrimental to prevention efforts.

Between 1977 and 1992, 15 adult dogs were presented to the Universities of Bristol, Glasgow, Liverpool and London with fractures of the radial carpal bone which had occurred without a known episode of violent trauma. Eleven of the dogs were boxers and the other breeds affected were a Pharaoh hound, rottweiler, springer spaniel and a greyhound. The condition was bilateral in three cases. Eleven dogs were treated surgically by cast immobilisation (four cases), fragment removal (one case), lag screw fixation (three cases), pan-carpal arthrodesis (one case) and lag screw reduction followed by pan-carpal arthrodesis (two cases). The remaining four dogs were treated conservatively with rest and tactical use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Follow-up periods ranged from two months to 11 years. Varying degrees of lameness, which tended to be exacerbated by exercise, persisted in all cases. The radial carpal bone appears to have at least three separate centres of ossification which eventually fuse; their planes of fusion correspond approximately to the two main fracture lines. These areas of fusion could be weak points within the radial carpal bone.

SummaryA five-year-old neutered female Bassett Hound weighing 29 kg was presented with a two-day history of paraparesis. Neurological examination and magnetic resonance imaging confirmed the presence of extruded disc material ventral to the spinal cord, from the C7-T1 intervertebral disc. A ventral slot was performed to decompress the cord. In making the approach to the caudal cervical spine, the cranial aspect of the manubrium of the sternum was resected. This improved the exposure of a region normally difficult to expose via a conventional ventral approach to the cervical spine. The successful performance of the ventral slot procedure was greatly facilitated by this adaptation, which was quick and simple to perform, without any apparent adverse affects to the animal.

Eighteen oestrus-synchronised ewes were infected experimentally with 1500 sporulated oocysts of Toxoplasma gondii between 80 and 90 days of gestation. The infection induced pyrexia and specific antibody in all the ewes. One ewe resorbed its fetus, five ewes aborted and 12 delivered live, congenitally-infected lambs whose pre-colostral serum was antibody-positive. Tissues from the aborted fetuses and placentae from the live lambs were examined for toxoplasma infection by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification of the Bi gene and by mouse inoculation. Using a simple protocol of tissue preparation without DNA extraction and a nested format, PCR was as sensitive as mouse inoculation. Placental cotyledon gave a higher sensitivity of detection than brain, lung or liver, and 16 of 19 placentae were positive by PCR compared with 13 of 18 by mouse inoculation. In mock-infected tissues, as few as 10 tachyzoites could be detected. The PCR could be applied to tissues unfit for mouse inoculation.

Assessments of direct smears of synovial fluid by four clinicians were compared with the results obtained with a Coulter counter. Estimates of total white cell counts by the clinicians were inaccurate and generally higher than the Coulter counter results. The method had a low sensitivity and specificity for the identification of degenerative joint disease and normal joints in comparison with the identification of inflammatory joint disease. There were marked variations in the results obtained by the four clinicians for all the analyses in the study.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of fabella-tibial suture (FTS) on long-term outcome in dogs with cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) insufficiency and concurrent medial meniscal tear (MMT) that were managed by an open, caudal pole medial meniscectomy (CPMM).A retrospective review was performed of the clinical records of dogs treated for CCL insufficiency with concurrent MMT by open CPMM, with or without the non-random addition of a nylon FTS according to surgeon preference, during the period of 2001 to 2004. The Bristol Osteoarthritis in Dogs questionnaire was modified for owner assessment of outcome using a visual analogue scale based on several criteria: level of activity, disability, severity of lameness and frequency of lameness before and after surgery.Completed questionnaires from 31 dog owners were received. A FTS was used after CPMM in 22 dogs (FTS group), but in nine dogs (control group) only a CPMM was performed. The median time to follow up was longer in the FTS group (25 months) than the control group (16 months) (P=0.03). There were not any significant differences between the two groups before and after surgery for the following: disability, activity, frequency of lameness, severity of lameness, ability to climb stairs and ability to sit down.The placement of a FTS following stifle joint arthrotomy and CPMM in dogs with CCL deficiency and concurrent MMT may not be a significant factor affecting the ultimate surgical outcome, although our study is limited by the non-randomised study design.

SummaryAn eight-year-old, male, thoracic limb amputee Whippet presented with a traumatic lateral luxation of the scapulohumeral joint. Surgical reduction and stabilisation of the shoulder joint by means of a modified Campbell scapulohumeral prosthesis and capsulorrhaphy was unsuccessful and reluxation of the shoulder joint occurred. Subsequent surgical stabilisation using bicipital tendon transposition and a modified Campbell scapulohumeral encircling prosthesis in combination with a novel body cast / Spica splint resulted in a return to satisfactory function of this limb.

To assess reliability of the mechanical axes stifle angle in dogs positioned for radiography with a neutral stifle (neutral stifle angle (nSA)). To investigate radiographic landmarks for assessment of nSA from a collimated radiographic view. One hundred radiographs were taken of normal stifles belonging to 55 skeletally mature medium and large breed dogs, positioned using a repeatable protocol. Radiographs were widely collimated to include the femoral head and the talus. The angle of Blumensaat's line through the intercondylar fossa relative to the Mechanical Axis of the femur (intercondylar fossa angle, IFA), the angle of inclination of a tibial crest tangent line relative to the Mechanical Axis of the tibia (tibial crest angle, TCA) and the tibial plateau angle (TPA) were recorded. Mean nSA was 133.5°. Mean IFA was 155.5°. TCA had a mean of 6.7°. Estimates for nSA were calculated using mean IFA combined with mean TCA (enSA1), mean TPA (enSA2) and the mechanical axis of the tibia (enSA3). Mean percentage error relative was 2.99 per cent for enSA1, 2.82 per cent for enSA2, 1.67 per cent for enSA3. Blumensaat's line provides a consistent radiological feature for assessment of nSA. Assessment of nSA and correction for values varying from 135° may allow more consistent and accurate measurement of patellar tendon angle for presurgical planning.

Objectives: To characterise the presenting signs and pathological changes of canine bacterial infective arthritis in 31 dogs, and to document the response to different treatment regimens. Risk factors that may predispose joints to bacterial infective arthritis and influence the success of treatment were also investigated. Methods: A retrospective review of cases of bacterial infective arthritis that were presented to three university veterinary referral hospitals over a five-year period (January 1997 to January 2002) was performed. Results: The elbow joint (38 per cent) and stifle joint (44 per cent) were most commonly affected. Radiographic changes consistent with pre-existing osteoarthritis were identified in 14 joints, which had no history of previous surgery (articular or periarticular) or penetrating wound. No significant difference (P=0.78) was identified between the outcome of combined surgical and medical management, and medical management alone. There were trends for poorer outcomes with increased bodyweight of the dog, longer duration of lameness and a higher nucleated cell count of the affected joint fluid at presentation. The overall infection rate for articular surgical procedures at one institution was 1.3 per cent. Clinical Significance: Medical and/or surgical management were usually successful in resolving infection (94 per cent). However, they were frequently unsuccessful in restoring full joint function; this may in part have been due to the nature of the underlying joint disease.

Aircraft surveillance in the Gulf of Mexico can be substantially improved at relatively low cost with GPS-Squitter, a form of Automatic Dependent Surveillance Broadcast(ADS-B), with GPS-Squitter, aircraft in the Gulf would use Mode S transponders to automatically broadcast (i.e., squitter) their position (latitude, longitude, and barometric altitude) and identification. An aircraft would determine its position from an onboard positioning system such as GPS (Global Positioning System). To demonstrate the feasibility of GPS-Squitter low-altitude surveillance in the Gulf of Mexico, MIT Lincoln Laboratory, in a cooperative effort with the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) and industry, conducted a series of tests in the Gulf during November and December 1994. For the tests, three GPS-Squitter ground stations were deployed in the Gulf-two on oil platforms and a third at the Petroleum Helicopters, Inc. (PHI) heliport in Morgan City, Louisiana. The ground stations were used to track three GPS-Squitter-equipped aircraft (two Bell 206 helicopters and Cessna 421); live traffic displays were available in Morgan City, New Orleans, and Houston. This paper describes the configuration of the test vehicles and ground stations. Surveillance performance results are also included for each of the test vehicles.

Radiographs of 74 dogs (84 stifles) presented with a cranial cruciate ligament rupture and surgically treated using a lateral extracapsular wire (LEW) were reviewed. A strand of orthopaedic wire was surgically placed caudally around the lateral fabella and through a predrilled hole in the tibial crest. At six week follow-up, the LEW was broken at least once in 26 of 33 stifles, predominantly in the area of the lateral fabella. In five stifles, the LEW had slipped off the fabella and was displaced distally along the gastrocnemius muscle. Six months after surgery, the LEW was often broken at several sites. LEW migration was rare. Osteolysis and sclerosis at the site of LEW penetration through the tibial crest occurred in about two-thirds of the stifles examined.

An 11-month-old cat was referred following a road traffic accident with non-weightbearing forelimb lameness and tachypnoea. A diaphragmatic rupture was repaired two days after trauma. Six days post trauma, a further operation was performed to repair the fractured humerus. As an intramedullary pin was advanced into the bone to achieve stabilisation, acute respiratory arrest occurred. Manual extrathoracic cardiopulmonary resuscitation was immediately instigated, but the cat did not recover. Postmortem examination identified a high degree of embolic fat occluding pulmonary capillaries. A massive embolic shower was established as the cause of death.

Genotypes of Toxoplasma gondii in naturally infected tissues from 13 ovine abortions from 10 farms in the United Kingdom, from 2 wild rodents captured on 1 farm, and from 2 isolates in laboratory mouse brains (made from the hearts of healthy, infected lambs) all conformed to the type II lineage determined by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) analysis of the SAG2 gene. PCR was applied directly to tissue extracts without parasite isolation or DNA extraction. These results demonstrate the feasibility of direct analysis of T. gondii lineages from samples derived either from clinical cases or asymptomatic infections.

Even in the early stages of their development, tumours are not simply a homogeneous grouping of mutant cells; rather, they develop in tandem with normal tissue cells, and also recruit other cell types including lymphatic cells and the endothelial cells required for the development of a blood supply. It has been repeatedly seen that macrophages form a significant proportion of the tumour mass, and that they can have a variety of effects upon the tumour, leading to a delicate balance between growth promotion and inhibition. This paper develops a model for the early, avascular growth of a tumour, concentrating on the inhibitory effect of macrophages due to their cytolytic activity. It is shown that such an immune response is not sufficient to prevent growth, due to it being a second-order process with respect to the density of the tumour cells present. However, the presence of macrophages does have important effects on the tumour composition, and the authors perform a detailed bifurcation analysis of their model to clarify this. An extended model is also considered which incorporates addition of exogenous chemical regulators. In this case, the model admits the possibility of tumour regression, and the therapeutic implications of this are discussed.

Within 13 days of the experimental infection of 15 oestrussynchronised ewes with 2000 sporulated oocysts of Toxoplasma gondii at 80 to 90 days of gestation 11 had aborted. The infection induced pyrexia and specific antibody in all the ewes. One ewe resorbed its fetus, 11 ewes aborted and three delivered, at full term, live congenitally infected lambs whose pre-colostral serum was antibody-positive. Tissues from the aborted fetuses and placentae from the live lambs were examined for toxoplasma infection by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification of the B1 gene and by mouse inoculation. The live lambs were all shown to be infected by both methods, but there was no evidence of infection in any of the tissues from the acute phase abortions, suggesting that these fatalities occurred before the placenta or the fetus had been invaded by T gondii . Such toxoplasma-induced, acutephase abortions are likely to be impossible to diagnose from fetal tissues. These results have implications not only for the diagnosis of naturally occurring ovine abortions but also for the understanding of the pathogenesis of toxoplasma-induced abortion.

Captive-bred Mus musculus (house mice) and Apodemus sylvaticus (field mice) were each infected with 50 oocysts of Toxoplasma gondii M1 strain per os and infection in them and their offspring was assessed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification of the T. gondii B1 gene in brain tissue and by serology, using the modified agglutination test (MAT). The chronically infected female A. sylvaticus (n=10) and M. musculus (n=23) were mated at least 6 weeks after infection (and subsequently to produce up to 6 litters) and their pups examined 3 weeks after weaning at 6 weeks of age. By PCR, in offspring of A. sylvaticus and M. musculus respectively, vertical transmission was demonstrated in 82·7% (n=83) and 85·0% (n=207) of all pups (N.S., P>0·05), 95% (n=21) and 100% (n=30) of all litters (N.S., P>0·05), with a mean (±S.E.) proportion of each litter infected of 0·87 (0·06) and 0·86 (0·04) (N.S., P>0·05). There was no change in any of these variables between first and subsequent litters. By serology, whilst MAT suggested 100% vertical transmission in A. sylvaticus, it under-estimated rates of infection in offspring of M. musculus. A limited series of bioassays from M. musculus tissues confirmed the good correlation of PCR and the poor correlation of MAT with mouse inoculation. These results indicate that vertical transmission in A. sylvaticus and M. musculus is extremely efficient and probably endures for the life of the breeding female. This mechanism favours parasite transmission and dispersion by providing a potential reservoir of infection in hosts predated by the cat.

SUMMARYNeospora caninumis an apicomplexan, protozoan parasite, which causes severe disease in dogs and cattle. It has previously been isolated only in the United States. A 5-week-old Boxer pup with a progressive hindlimb paresis was diagnosed as suffering from neosporosis on the basis of clinical signs and the presence of anti-Neosporaantibodies in it, 2 litter-mates and its darn. Despite treatment with sulphonamides, the pup was euthanased 3 days later. The diagnosis of neosporosis was confirmed by immunohistochemical examination of muscle and CNS tissue sections from the pup. Parasites were isolated into Vero cell culture from the cerebrum, and confirmed asNeospora caninumby immunofluorescence with specific antibody, tachyzoite ultrastructure and 16S-like ribosomal RNA sequences. This isolate (designated NC-Liverpool) has been continuously passaged every 7–10 days. Its growth characteristics, ultrastructure and antigenic profile, as revealed by immunoblotting, have revealed no major differences from the American NC-1 isolate. Furthermore, no difference was seen when comparing the sequences of 16S-like ribosomal RNA and the ITS1 region of the two isolates.

Providing 75% of family planning services in the United Kingdom, general practitioners are required to produce leaflets which describe the contraceptive services they provide. The authors analyzed information about family planning provided to clients through practice leaflets. 88% of practice leaflets from the 198 practices in Devon were available from the Devon Family Health Services Authority for analysis. It was determined that the leaflets are not being best used to advertise the range and potential of family planning services. Although all practices in Devon offer contraceptive services, only 90% of leaflets mentioned that the services are available. Reference to postcoital contraception and information about services outside the practice for people who might not want to see their family doctor are also sorely lacking. A clear need exists to provide patients with more information. Finally, the authors found that group practices and those with female partners are most likely to give high priority to family planning issues in their leaflets.

Genotypes of Toxoplasma gondii in naturally infected tis- sues from 13 ovine abortions from 10 farms in the United Kingdom, from 2 wild rodents captured on 1 farm, and from 2 isolates in labo- ratory mouse brains (made from the hearts of healthy, infected lambs) all conformed to the type II lineage determined by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) anal- ysis of the SAG2 gene. PCR was applied directly to tissue extracts without parasite isolation or DNA extraction. These results demonstrate the feasibility of direct analysis of T. gondii lineages from samples derived either from clinical cases or asymptomatic infections. The populations of several protozoan parasites appear to be made up of a limited number of genetically similar lineages (Tibayrenc et al., 1990), each propagated by a predominance of asexual replication. In a number of protozoans, certain geno- types exist that can often be associated with particular hosts and diseases (Tibayrenc, 1993). The protozoan, Toxoplasma gondii is a zoonotic obligate intracellular parasite with a global distribution that infects man and a wide variety of birds and mammals including the Felidae, which serve as hosts to the sexual phase of replication (Dubey and Frenkel, 1972). Trans- mission of T. gondii occurs when susceptible hosts ingest oo- cysts shed in cat feces or by ingestion of T. gondii tissue cysts in chronically infected tissues (Beverley, 1976) and, in some cases, by vertical transmission (Beverley, 1959; De Roever- Bonnet, 1969; Owen and Trees, 1998). There are many recog- nized strains of T. gondii that differ in certain biological prop- erties but that are all similar antigenically and morphologically, and hence a single species is recognized (Sibley and Boothroyd, 1992). By isoenzyme electrophoresis, restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis, and random-amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) polymerase chain reaction (PCR), the species has been subdivided into 2 or 3 major groupings

Despite interest in preventing pregnancy among teenagers little is known about the most effective strategies.1 An effective way of preventing pregnancy is to use emergency contraception after unprotected intercourse. We report a descriptive study of pregnant teenagers in Devon that examined awareness and use of emergency contraception and its potential for preventing unwanted teenage pregnancy. With approval of the ethics committee pregnant teenagers were recruited consecutively after local start dates. All those approached agreed to interview, though hospital staff refused access to five patients having a termination. The interviews were conducted between August 1992 and January 1994. A total of 167 pregnant teenagers (aged 13-19 years) were interviewed. Ninety five (57%) were attending for an NHS termination (8-12 weeks pregnant) and 72 (43%) were attending booking appointments at hospital antenatal clinics (16-17 weeks pregnant). Twenty (12%) pregnancies were planned, 122 (73%) were definitely unplanned (86 …

The usefulness of a home based pediatric record is examined in the home, child health clinics and hospital as a means of communicating health information. Such a record, the Child Health Passport (CHP) was successfully introduced into St. Lucia in 1976-77 and issued to all children under 5 years of age in order to facilitate communication between health workers and also between health workers and their patients. Data to be recorded on the CHP included weight (with a weight for age chart imprinted on the CHP), name and address, immunizations, and significant hospital problems and treatment. The card also had a pocket for messages and appointment schedules. Surveys on the use and condition of the card were taken at health centers, Casualty Department (Emergency Room) of the main hospital on the island, and the pediatric ward of the hospital; in addition, individual health workers were interviewed on the card's effectiveness and their feelings about its use. Results show the CHP highly accepted by the public with 86.1% to 93.6% of children being in possession of it. However, there was a progressive decrease in the presence of the card in the district doctor's clinic (69%), Casualty Department (57.2%), and hospital ward (39%). The main problem appears to be the need for the involvement of the doctor in using this record in hospital and in the district clinic. Parents and primary health care workers are shown to be conscientious in using the home based records and recommentation is made to extend use of the CHP to at least the antenatal and chronic disease areas, and possibly to the area of all clinical information at primary and secondary levels in the Caribbean. Charts detail the content of the CHP, and reasons it is preferable to the clinic record from different health worker's points of view.

In the UK, under-sixteen-year-olds with some exceptions can be provided with contraceptive care even if unwilling to inform their parents. Nonetheless, many teenagers express doubts about confidentiality in these circumstances, as well as fear of being judged. The attitudes of general practitioners in North and East Devon towards the Gillick ruling regarding the treatment of under sixteens for sexual health matters were assessed. They were asked to indicate their level of agreement or disagreement with a series of statements. 235 (73%) responded, and only 15 (6.5%) rejected the notion that the same duty of confidentiality applies to under-sixteens as to older patients. 76% did, however, prefer parents to know they had been consulted about contraception. Only 7 GPs believed that provision of contraception encourages under-age sex. Despite GPs’ general acknowledgment of the importance of confidentiality in relation to sexual activity, teenagers may well be discouraged from seeking advice if they expect strong pressure to tell their parents.

SummaryMandibular fractures in 17 dogs and in eight cats were managed using external skeletal fixation (ESF) with acrylic or epoxy resin connecting bars. In order to maintain dental occlusion during fracture repair pha- ryngostomy or tracheostomy was performed in 12 dogs and in six cats to permit inhalational anaesthesia during surgery. All of the fractures healed with the exception of fractures in two dogs. Mandibular external skeletal fixation was well tolerated and there was not any evidence of iatrogenic damage to teeth nor to neurovascular structures within the mandible. Implant loosening was commonly observed at the time of fixator removal, but it did not affect the outcome.