Illinois vet college embarks on canine studies

Urbana, Ill.

- The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign College of Veterinary Medicine is preparing two new studies that will look at various treatments for common canine ailments.

The first study, conducted by the Canine Rehabilitation Program, will look at dogs aged 6 to 14 months suffering from hip dysplasia.

The dogs will undergo rehabilitation therapy like treadmill use, massage and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug treatment to see what method most improves limb function, range of motion, muscle girth and decreases pain.

The second study, conducted by the college's veterinary teaching hospital, will examine dogs of all ages that suffer from pain or lameness such as stiffness or difficulty rising and lameness after exercising.

An antioxidant nutritional supplement will be administered to see whether it is effective in treating pain and stiffness associated with canine osteoarthritis, the college says.