An analysis of the quality of canine cranial cruciate ligament disease information available on the Internet.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the quality of information available on the Internet pertaining to canine cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) disease.

STUDY DESIGN

Survey Study.

METHODS

Three search phrases were entered separately into 5 search engines and the 1st page of websites from each search was analyzed. Unique websites were evaluated by 3 Diplomates of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons using standardized scales for content and information value score (IVS). Websites were further categorized by veterinary or non-veterinary authorship. The readability of each website was scored using a proven literacy scale (Flesch-Kinkaid system).

RESULTS

Fifty-four unique websites were evaluated. Websites located using anatomically correct veterinary terminology had significantly (P<.05) higher ratings for content and IVS compared with those found using lay terminology. Websites authored by veterinarians also had significantly (P<.05) higher IVS compared with those authored by non-veterinarians. Websites found using anatomically correct veterinary terminology, and those authored by veterinarians, had significantly (P<.05) lower readability scores, requiring a higher literacy level for comprehension.

CONCLUSIONS

Information available on the Internet with respect to canine CCL disease is of highly variable quality. Use of anatomically correct veterinary terminology when conducting an Internet search detects sites with higher quality information; however, a higher literacy level is required to understand the material. Similarly, websites authored by veterinarians are more likely to present higher quality information, but require a more advanced literacy level for comprehension.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

CCL disease information on the Internet is of variable quality and can be misleading.