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News from the College of Veterinary Medicine University of Illinois 3225 Vet. Med. Basic Sciences Bldg. 2001 S. Lincoln Ave. Urbana, IL 61802 |
May 11, 2009 Release on |
| Contact: |
Chris Beuoy 217/244-1562 beuoy@illinois.edu |
Dogs Sought for Clinical Trial Comparing Lameness Surgeries
Surgeons at the University of Illinois Veterinary Teaching Hospital are enrolling patients in a randomized, controlled clinical trial comparing two widely recognized surgical treatments for cranial cruciate disease.Cranial cruciate disease is one of the most common causes of hind limb lameness in dogs. The current surgical standard of care for dogs greater than 30 pounds or those unresponsive to conservative therapy is a procedure called lateral fabellar suture. In recent years a more invasive and expensive surgery called tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO) has gained popularity, with proponents claiming this approach lessens post-operative lameness and slows progression of osteoarthritis.
Unlike previous, inconclusive studies comparing the two surgeries, the current study will randomize which surgery the dog receives. Adult otherwise healthy dogs with unilateral cranial cruciate disease are eligible for enrollment. Owners will allow the dog to be randomly assigned to a surgical group, will complete a survey, and will bring the dog back for recheck examinations and gait analyses at 6 and 12 weeks and at 1 year post-surgery.
Treatment charges will be capped at $1,200, regardless of surgical procedure, and the required rechecks will be free.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, call Carrie Bubb, CVT, at (217) 333-5300.