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Enrollment Benefits

• Free comprehensive exams
• Free labwork
• Free full body x-rays
• Fear-free certified care
• $100 in Amazon gift cards upon study completion

Description

Helping advance canine joint health

We’re enrolling dogs with osteoarthritis or mobility problems to study the connection between gut health and osteoarthritis.

Visits are designed to be low-stress and Fear Free, include imaging and specialized walking and standing data, as well as multiple opportunities to learn more about our best friends!

What this study evaluates

• We are testing a supplement designed to support the gut lining in a double blind study.
• A healthier gut lining may play a role in overall wellness for dogs with osteoarthritis.
• In this study, we’re looking at how prebiotics — like the GOS supplement we’re using — might affect pain. 

Participation

Study duration

• The study has a total of 5 visits over 3 and ¹/₂ months.
• There is one screening visit, then about two weeks later, the 90-day trial period begins, and you come back in with your pup to start the supplement.
• You then come back once a month for three months.

What to expect during participation

• You will fill out questionnaires about your dog at each study visit.
• A Fear Free Certified team will take care of your dog at all times.
• You will give a supplement — in the form of a liquid food topper — twice daily once the trial period begins. 

Dogs need to be fasted for eight hours before the Screen and both Contrast Tests; that’s three fasted visits over 3 ½ months. Fasting only includes food; water is fine and encouraged!

Eligibility

Your dog may be a good match if they meet our basic eligibility guidelines

• They should be at least five years of age
• Weigh between 40 and 90 pounds
• All dogs should be up to date on Rabies, DHPP, and Bordetella vaccines
• Be able to comfortably cease NSAIDs — if taking any — during study participation
• Study participants will have an activity monitor ( a doggie “fit bit”) on their dog’s collar for the duration of their visit.
• Otherwise healthy apart from their mobility issues
• Should be able to comfortably cease any antibiotics, steroids, or probiotics.

What Happens Next?

• ?Fill Out Our Initial Owner Survey
• We will review your dog’s medical records.
• We will reach out to you about eligibility!

No commitment yet! If you have any questions for us, you can…

• ☎ Schedule an Info-session Phone Call Today
• Email Us with Questions
• Contact our GOS Study Technician at tcole@ncsu.edu
• Contact our GOS Study Clinician mabaldeo@ncsu.edu

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Will my regular veterinarian see any of the results?

• We share all x-rays and blood work findings with you and your regular veterinarian.
• Additionally, our clinicians walk you through all of our findings when you come to pick up your dog.

What is a double-blind study?

• A double-blind study means that no one who participates in the study, including our team, will know which dogs receive the GI supplement or the placebo.
• Through a random selection process, half the dogs will receive the supplement, and the other half will have the placebo.

What are NSAIDs?

• NSAIDs (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs) are medications commonly prescribed to dogs as a way to help reduce pain and inflammation.
• Examples include carprofen (Rimadyl), meloxicam (Metacam), grapiprant (Galliprant), and deracoxib (Deramaxx).
• Dogs need to be off NSAIDs starting 1 week before study enrollment because these medications can affect the gut lining, which is what we’re studying.

What is a GOS Supplement?

• GOS stands for Galacto-Oligosaccharides, which are natural prebiotics.
• Prebiotics act as food for the healthy bacteria in your dog’s digestive system.
• A strong gut microbiome supports the gut lining and may contribute to better overall health, including joint comfort.

What is a contrast test?

• A contrast test is a safe way for us to assess the inflammation of your dog’s gut.
• Your dog drinks a special liquid (called contrast), and then we take small blood samples to measure how much of it passes through the gut.
• This helps us understand gut health and how it may relate to arthritis — and no x-rays or sedation are required, just fasting beforehand.

What is an activity monitor, and how will it be used in this study?

• An activity monitor ( a doggie “fit bit”) is a small device we attach to our participants’ collars to track their activity during the study!
• Ideally, the monitor stays on 24/7, and only comes off during visits or when charging every few weeks.  

What happens if we need to stop the study early?

• If you ever need to stop early, that’s okay. Your dog’s comfort and safety come first, and because participation is voluntary, you can withdraw at any time. We’ll review any concerns with you and help guide the next steps.
• Gift cards are contingent on study completion; however, all other study-related benefits remain included even if participation ends early.

Enrollment Start

09/01/2025

Enrollment Finish

12/31/2026

Flyer

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Contact

TRiP Program • College of Veterinary Medicine
Raleigh, NC • ☎ 919-513-6376  • We reply within one business day

• GOS Study Principal Investigator: Duncan Lascelles, duncan_lascelles@ncsu.edu
• GOS Study Technician at tcole@ncsu.edu
• GOS Study Clinician mabaldeo@ncsu.edu