Purdue News

November 10, 2000 Purdue vet school seeks dogs with spinal injuries WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — Purdue University researchers are seeking dogs that have recently received a spinal cord injury to test a novel treatment approach. The Purdue Center for Paralysis Research is interested in dogs that are severely paraplegic due to intervertebral disc herniation, and have been injured for two days or less, says Richard B. Borgens, professor of developmental anatomy at Purdue and project director. "Because of the small window of time needed to perform the treatment, it is very important for the dog to be evaluated at the center as soon as possible," Borgens says. Dogs participating in the study must weigh 40 pounds or less and be free of any disease that is unrelated to the intervertebral disc herniation. The Purdue Center for Paralysis Research will pay the costs of veterinary care for qualified dogs. Persons who have a dog that may qualify should have their veterinarian call the Purdue center for details. The phone number is (765) 494-7611. CONTACT: CONTACT: Crystyn Ruth, (765) 494-7611; cpr@vet.purdue.edu To the Purdue News and Photos Page