Clinical Investigations
Cardiology
Dogs with a Heart Murmur
- Description: Study evaluating early heart disease in dogs that will measure activity levels at home. Activity will be recorded using a small device attached to the dog’s collar.
- Eligibility: Dogs with moderate intensity or louder murmur, but in otherwise good health and not affected by mobility-limiting pain from osteoarthritis or other chronic conditions. Dogs should not be on nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications
- Financial Incentive: The study will pay $300 towards the cost of evaluation by the cardiology service. This evaluation includes an extensive health screening
- Who to contact: Andrea Thompson, RVT, cvm_cprl@ncsu.edu or 919.513.6854
- Does your dog have a heart murmur?
Behavior Service
Currently no ongoing trials
Dermatology
Oral Low Dose Intermittent Methotrexate as Steroid-Sparing Agent for Treatment of Canine Atopic Dermatitis-a Pilot Study
- Description: A pilot study is being conducted to determine whether the addition of low doses of generic methotrexate will allow prednisone dose reduction in dogs with atopic dermatitis without adding unnecessary side effects. Methotrexate is a cheap generic drug whose effect has been shown to be beneficial in anecdotal cases at NC State. Diagnosis of canine atopic dermatitis, at least mild severity, based on standard methods and no evidence of clinically-relevant infections would be required to participate.
- Eligibility: Dogs of any breed, gender, and age, weighing 7-50kgs with evidence of IgE reactivity against allergens by intradermal or serological tests. No complete response to a restriction-provocation dietary challenge (“elimination diet”)
- Financial Incentive: There is no financial incentive for participation
- Who to contact: Dermatology Service - Drs Thierry Olivry, Marcy Murphy, and Petra Bizikova 919.513.6691
Internal Medicine
Canine Esophageal Stricture
- Description: An esophageal stricture, a narrowing of the esophagus, may occur following damage to the esophageal lining, which may be caused by chronic vomiting, reaction to oral medications, after anesthetic procedures, or due to injury to the esophagus. Current standard treatment involves bougienage under anesthesia (dilation of the stricture with aid of a fiberoptic scope) to widen the stricture with increasing sizes of tubes. This approach often requires multiple treatments with mixed results
- Eligibility: Participants with esophageal strictures for a clinical trial of a novel therapy treatment involving topical application with a medication called Mitomycin C
- Financial Incentive: Once the diagnosis of an esophageal stricture has been made, funding will cover treatment, including esophagoscopy and topical treatment with Mitomycin C, and recheck examination by esophagoscopy with bougienage (dilation of the stricture)
- Who to contact: Internal Medicine Service 919.513.6670
PCR Testing for Feline Tritrichomonas Foetus Infection
- Description: T. Foetus is flagellated protozoal parasite that has been recently recognized as a prevalent cause of feline diarrhea and is common in cats from catteries and shelters. PCR is the most sensitive test of the infection and will detect organisms whether they are alive or dead. Samples will be submitted and tests will be run weekly and results sent by FAX.
- Eligibility: Young cats and cats that have a history of catteries or shelter situations. Cats with a history of large-bowel diarrhea or diarrhea that gets better when you give antibiotics, but returns when you stop them. Also cats with a previous diagnosis of Giardia but not responding to treatment
- Who to contact: Maria Coccaro, Research Technician 919.513.6365
- Samples should be sent to: Dr. Jody L. Gookin, NCSU College of Veterinary Medicine-Lab D117, 4700 Hillsborough Street, Raleigh, NC 27606
- For additional details: http://cvm.ncsu.edu/docs/jody_gookin.html
Prospective Study of Historic and Physical Findings of Dogs with Chronic Cough
- Description: A detailed and specific history and physical examination form will be completed for all dogs that are presented to the small animal internal medicine service that have had a cough of 2 months duration or longer due to any cause. Similar information will be collected from dogs that are presented for other problems without a history of cough. Responses will be analyzed to determine any associations with chronic cough or a specific diagnosis. Potential associations will be pursued more specifically in future studies.
- Eligibility: Dogs with cough of 2 months duration or longer that are referred to the Small Animal Internal Medicine Service for evaluation
- Financial Incentive: There is no financial incentive for participation
- Who to contact: Call the Small Animal Internal Medicine Service to make a referral 919.513.6670
Randomized Controlled Trial for the Treatment of Cytauxzoon Felis Infections
- Description: A study comparing two anti-protozoal for the treatment of C. felis infections. Survival rates have been upwards of 60%
- Eligibility: Cats naturally infected with C. felis that are not moribund or hypothermic
- Financial Incentive: Free study drugs and testing,hospitalization and supportive care are not covered
- Who to contact: Adam Birkenheuer, 919.513.8288
Radomized Placebo Controlled Trial Evaluating the Efficacy of a Lyophilized Canine Platelet Concentrate for the Treatment of Hemorrhage due to Thrombocytopenia
- Description: Dogs with thrombocytopenia causing bleeding and anemia severe enough to require blood transfusion
- Eligibility: Dogs with moderate intensity or louder murmur, but in otherwise good health and not affected by mobility-limiting pain from osteoarthritis or other chronic conditions. Dogs should not be on nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications
- Financial Incentive: $200.00 towards hospitalization and treatment, and free study drugs to participants in the treatment group
- Who to contact: Who to contact: Adam Birkenheuer, 919.513.8288
Search for Genetic Markers of Pulmonary Fibrosis in Dogs
- Description: This study is designed to determine if genetic markers can be identified in dogs suspected of having pulmonary fibrosis. Pulmonary fibrosis is a disease that progressively worsens over time, causing dogs to breathe with increasing difficulty. Pulmonary fibrosis occurs most commonly in terrier breeds, particularly in West Highland white terriers, indicating that inheritance may play a role in its development. If our study is successful, the results will improve our understanding of the inheritance of this disease. In addition, insight may be gained into the underlying mechanisms of disease development. Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is a disease in people with similarities to pulmonary fibrosis in dogs. It is also possible that findings from our study could benefit researchers studying this disease in people. The DNA testing requires collection of a small volume (<5 ml) of blood.
- Eligibility: Dogs with suspected or confirmed idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis that are patients of the Veterinary Teaching Hospital
- Financial Incentive: There is no financial incentive for participation
- Who to contact: Call the Small Animal Internal Medicine Service to make a referral 919.513.6670
Search for Potential Genetic Markers of Cystic Fibrosis-Related Disease in Dogs
- Description: This study is designed to determine if dogs have an identifiable genetic mutation similar to those known to be associated with cystic fibrosis (CF) in people. CF is a debilitating, generally fatal, inherited disease. The respiratory tract can be severely affected. Airway mucus is abnormal, there is decreased airway clearance, resistant secondary airway infections occur, and bronchiectasis (permanent dilation of the airways) results. Early death frequently occurs from pulmonary failure. The pancreas is also affected. Finding a CF mutation in dogs could advance our understanding of this devastating disease of people and enhance our understanding of related diseases in dogs. Bronchiectasis, pancreatitis, and exocrine pancreatic insufficiency occur as spontaneous disorders in dogs. Some breed associations with these diseases have been found, indicating the possibility of a genetic basis. These diseases have also been associated with CF mutations in people that do not have the disease itself. Therefore, we are particularly interested in testing dogs with bronchiectasis and pancreatic disease. The DNA testing requires collection of a small volume (<5 ml) of blood.
- Eligibility: Dogs with bronchiectasis, pancreatitis, or pancreatic insufficiency that are patients of the Veterinary Teaching Hospital
- Financial Incentive: There is no financial incentive for participation
- Who to contact: Call the Small Animal Internal Medicine Service to make a referral 919.513.6670
Neurology
Keppra (Levetiracetam) Study in Dogs with Canine Epilepsy
- Description: Clinical trial evaluating the safety and efficacy of levetiracetam in epileptic dogs whose seizures are poorly controlled with standard anticonvulsant medications
- Eligibility: Dogs must be on therapeutic levels of standard anticonvulsants (phenobarbital and/or potassium bromide) and continue to seizure 4 or more times each month
- Financial incentive: Cost of all evaluations, laboratory work and study medication are provided free-of-charge
- Who to contact: For more information email animalepilepsy@ncsu.edu or call 919.513.6812
Multi-Drug Resistance in Herding Dogs
- Description: Study evaluating whether a specific mutation in the MDR-1 gene influences how a dog with epilepsy may respond to anticonvulsant medications
- Eligibility: Collies, Australian Shepherds and Shetland Sheepdogs with epilepsy that are currently being treated with anticonvulsant medication are eligible to participate in the study
- Financial incentives: Pet owners will receive MDR testing and anticonvulsant blood levels at no cost for their participation
- Who to contact: For more information email: animalepilepsy@ncsu.edu or call 919.513.6812
Oncology
Feline Lymphoma: Chemotherapy followed by Radiation Therapy
- Description: Clinical study evaluating the normal tissue tolerance to radiation therapy following induction chemotherapy in casts with intra-abdominal high-grade lymphoma
- Eligibility: Cats with a cytologic or histologic diagnosis of high-grade gastrointestinal or multicentric lymphoma confined to the abdominal cavity; enrolled patients must be in complete remission following 6 weeks of induction chemotherapy; patients should have no evidence of preexisting hepatic or renal disease
- Financial incentive: Costs associated with the complete blood count, serum biochemistry panel, and urinalysis performed at the beginning and end of radiation therapy are covered; enrolled patients will receive a $1300 credit towards the cost of radiation therapy
- Who to contact: Oncology Service at 919.513.6690 or send in a consult form by Fax 919.513.6669
Radiation Therapy + Local Hyperthermia in Canine Soft Tissue Sarcomas
- Description: Trial evaluating the impact of differing hyperthermia dosing regiments and radiation therapy in canine soft tissue sarcomas
- Eligibility: Dogs with accessible and measurable soft tissue sarcomas without evidence of bony involvement
- Financial incentive: Clients are responsible for costs associate with initial evaluation of their pet. All hyperthermia treatment costs are covered by the study and enrolled patients will receive a $3500 credit towards the cost of radiation therapy
- Who to contact: Call or email Beth Case at 919.513.6690
Study Evaluating Heart Function in Dogs with Lymphoma
- Description: A study is being conducted to determine whether doxorubicin, one of the primary drugs used in treating lymphoma in dogs, may weaken the canine heart. Dr. Laurel Williams of the Oncology Service will collaborate with the Cardiology Service, Drs Clarke Atkins, Bruce Keene, and Teresa DeFrancesco, in the investigation, which is funded by the Waltham Foundation.
- Eligibility: The goal is to enroll 25 dogs with lymphoma as well as 25 healthy control dogs matched by breed, age, and gender to compare their heart function
- Financial incentive: Dogs enrolled will have a cardiac ultrasound and ECG performed at no cost to the owner along with a blood sample to test for a heart related protein, cardiac troponin, that can serve as a marker of heart injury
- Who to contact: Julie Nettifee-Osborne, RVT
- Recruitment dates: August 1, 2007 – August 1, 2008
Vaccine Trial for Oral Malignant Melanomas (OMM) in Dogs
- Description: Merial Limited is conducting a multi-center clinical trial to assess the efficacy of a novel vaccine intended to prolong survival time in dogs with OMM
- Eligibility: "Not accepting patients at this time"
- Financial incentive: The vaccine, administration of the vaccine, and immunologic testing, are provided free-of-charge; additionally most other hospital charges are covered by the study
- Who to contact: Please contact the Oncology Service at 919.513.6690
Ophthalmology
Currently no ongoing trials
Pain Management
Diet for the Relief of Osteoarthritis Pain in Cats
- Description: The pain research lab is performing a clinical investigation using a specially formulated diet to help control osteoarthritis in cats
- Eligibility: Indoor cats to participate in a 10 week food trial for osteoarthritis and according to the care-giver as mobility impaired or to have slowed down
- Financial incentive: All workup expenses (~$350) and food for 10 weeks paid for by grant
- Who to contact: please call Andrea Thomson in the Comparative Pain Research Laboratory (CPRL) at 919-513-6854 or email at cvm_cprl@ncsu.edu
- Funded Clinical Studies
Surgery
Canine Transitional Cell Carcinoma Study
- Description: The goal of this study is to collect cells from the normal portion of the bladder of dogs with transitional cell carcinomas and hopefully grow the cells without growing tumor cells
- Eligibility: Dogs with transitional carcinomas, some who have failed treatment
- Financial incentive: There is no financial incentive for participation
- Who to contact: Dr. Kyle Mathews 919.513.6303
Correlation of Canine Adrenal Mass CT Opacity (Hounsfield Units) to Histopathologic Diagnosis
- Description: This study is collecting information on computed tomographic characteristics of canine adrenal tumors and correlating these findings to histologic diagnosis.
- Eligibility: Dogs with potential adrenal masses
- Financial incentive: There is no financial incentive for participation
- Who to contact: Dr. Kyle Mathews, NCSU Soft Tissue Surgery 919.513.6588
Prospective Evaluation of Uncemented Total Hip Replacement in the Dog
- Description: Uncemented total hip replacement has had a low short term and long term complication rate in dogs. A new prosthesis design, introduced in October 2003, is being used by the Orthopedic Service at NCSU. We are following all patients that receive hip implants at NCSU. Evaluation involves gait analysis, radiographic changes, and clinical outcome.
- Eligibility: Most medium to giant breed dogs with lameness from hip pain are good candidates for hip replacement. Dogs should be older than 10 months. After an evaluation to ensure that no other orthopedic or neurological conditions are contributing to the patient’s lameness, the risks and benefits of hip replacement will be discussed. Once a patient has implants placed, follow-up evaluations are requested at 3 and 6 months after surgery and on the anniversary of their surgery.
- Financial incentive: This study is not funded. The cost of the first two recheck examinations and radiographs are included in the price of the original surgery, which is approximately $3,600. Following hip replacement, over 95% of dogs develop normal hip function
- Who to contact: Dr. Simon Roe or Dr. Denis Marcellin-Little 919.513.6588
Page last updated November 8, 2007