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Novel Biomarker and Therapeutic Target for CKD in Dogs

Principle Investigator

Dr. Harris

Description

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is defined as the presence of functional abnormalities in one or both kidneys over a prolonged period of time. Serum creatinine is currently used as a marker of kidney function, but it cannot detect early changes in kidney function. Detecting CKD early has significant importance because early treatment could slow the rate of disease progression, improve the patient’s quality of life and prolong survival times. In addition, early detection of kidney disease will give us the best chance to identify the underlying cause to target our treatment better. There is a critical need for us to identify biomarkers of kidney function that can be used to diagnose early kidney disease. This proposed research project aims to characterize a new biomarker for kidney disease that will hopefully allow us to predict outcomes and/or therapeutic responses.

Eligibility

  • Dogs diagnosed with stable IRIS stage II -IV CKD (serum creatinine > 1.4 mg/dL or SDMA > 18 and lack of appropriate urine concentration, USG < 1.045)
  • Dogs must be willing to eat a renal diet

Participation

You will be required to bring your dog to NC State Veterinary Hospital for:

  • 1 screening visit
  • 4 study visits every 3 months for 1 year

Incentives

The study will cover the costs associated with:

  • Screening Visit: exam, blood and urine collection for renal biochemistry, PCV/TP, urinalysis, urine protein-to-creatinine ratio, and blood pressure measurement.
  • Study Visits (4 total): exam, blood collection for renal biochemistry panel
  • Study Renal Diet: Purina NF for 12 months (study duration)

Enrollment Start

08/28/2024

Enrollment Finish

08/28/2025

Flyer

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Contact

For more information, please contact: Dr. Harris at harrislab-clinicaltrials@ncsu.edu