Clinical Research in Ophthalmology

The Enucleation Pain Study

What are we doing? The University of Wisconsin is performing a study on postoperative pain management in dogs undergoing eye removal surgery (enucleation).

Why are we doing it? Almost every week a dog undergoes enucleation surgery at the University of Wisconsin. We want them to get the best pain control possible. We are testing how effective an oral nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory versus a synthetic oral opioid medication is at controlling postoperative pain.

What would happen to my dog? Dogs that qualify for the study would be randomly assigned to a group that receives either an oral nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory or an oral opioid. All dogs in the study will need to stay the night before and the night after surgery.

Are there any risks? The procedure we are testing is safe and simple. As with all anesthesia, there is a risk of an allergic reaction. If your dog is painful after surgery, we will provide additional pain medication so you don’t need to worry that your dog will suffer.

Is my dog a candidate? Your pet will not be a candidate for this study if the remaining eye is painful, if they have a chronic painful condition for which he or she is taking daily medication (i.e., Rimadyl), underlying kidney and/or liver disease, or if you are unable to leave your pet hospitalized for 30 hours post-operatively.

Will I be compensated for my participation? In addition to contributing to the science of ophthalmology, study participants will receive a discount on the surgical procedure and free hospitalization (approximately $400 dollars compensation).

Call the ophthalmology department at 608-263-7600 for more information.