New Research Identifies the Health Literacy Gap in Veterinary Client Education

Many dog owners look online for answers when their dog is diagnosed with a cranial cruciate ligament rupture, often called a CCL injury. A recent article in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association shows that this online information is often too difficult for many people to understand.

The researchers looked at popular websites that dog owners are likely to find when searching for information about CCL injuries. They focused on two main topics: how the injury is treated and how dogs recover after treatment. The authors used standard tools that measure how difficult text is to read.

The results were concerning. Most of the websites were written at a 10th-grade reading level or higher. Health experts recommend that medical information for the public be written at about a 6th-grade reading level. This means many dog owners may struggle to fully understand what they read online about their dog’s injury and recovery.

This matters because clear understanding helps dogs heal. CCL injuries often require careful rest, controlled activity, and long recovery periods. If instructions are confusing, owners may accidentally allow too much activity or miss important steps. This can slow healing or lead to problems.

The study also reminds veterinarians how important communication is. Many clinics suggest websites to help owners learn more at home. If those websites are too complex, they may cause confusion instead of helping. This shows the need for clear, simple education materials that match how people really read and learn.

Veterinary teams can take helpful steps. Using plain language, short sentences, and clear explanations makes information easier to understand. Written handouts should avoid medical jargon when possible. Asking owners to explain instructions back in their own words can also help make sure everyone is on the same page.

This article highlights an important point. Good medical care is not just about treatments and surgery. It is also about making sure pet owners understand what is happening and what their dog needs at home. Clear communication helps owners feel confident and helps dogs recover safely and successfully.

Article Link: https://avmajournals.avma.org/view/journals/javma/aop/javma.25.10.0680/javma.25.10.0680.xml