Clinical Trials: Dogs

August 28, 2024

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…

July 11, 2024

Dogs with Non-Seasonal Atopic Dermatitis

Principle Investigator Ina Herrmann Description This study is looking for dogs that have non-seasonal atopic dermatitis for a trial to investigate a novel injectable medication similar to Xolair®/Omalizumab with the potential to control the disease for weeks to months. The goal of this study is to reduce the need for daily medications and improving the…

July 08, 2024

Pulse Therapy with Clorazepate or Levetiracetam for Cluster Seizures

Principle Investigator Dr. Karen Munana Description We are seeking dogs with idiopathic epilepsy that experience cluster seizures for a new study led by Drs. Karen Muñana and Alejandra Mondino, evaluating pulse therapy for the in-home treatment of cluster seizures. This study is funded by the AKC-Canine Health Foundation. Dogs will be recruited based on the…

June 19, 2024

The Pathogenesis of Immune-Mediated Hemolytic Anemia (IMHA)

Principle Investigator Erika Gruber Description NC State University College of Veterinary Medicine is looking for IMHA patients for a blood sample study. The purpose of this project is to investigate whether a key pathway that inhibits phagocytosis (cell ingestion) contributes to IMHA pathogenesis. CD47 (“don’t eat me” signal) is a marker of “self” that negatively…

May 29, 2024

Oral rapamycin for Severe Subvalvular Aortic Stenosis (SAS) in Dogs

Principle Investigator Kursten Pierce Description The purpose of this study is to evaluate whether three times weekly dosing with oral rapamycin can reverse the heart muscle changes associated with subvalvular aortic stenosis (SAS) in dogs. Dogs will undergo an initial screening for eligibility. If your dog enrolls, they will be randomized to receive either low…

May 13, 2024

Canine Clinic Connections: Investigating Dog-Human Dynamics in Veterinary Settings

Description There are many potential factors that may influence a dog’s experience at the veterinary clinic. NC State University College of Veterinary Medicine Thinking Pets Program is now enrolling dogs and their owners for a new research study exploring dog and human factors that may influence dog behavior in the veterinary clinic. We hope to…

April 12, 2024

Now Recruiting Dogs with Babesia gibsoni

Principle Investigator Dr. Birkenheuer Description NC State College of Veterinary Medicine is enrolling dogs with Babesia gibsoni in a trial to evaluate if the use of a new drug combination (atovaquone/proguanil hydrochloride, azithromycin, and artemisinin) can improve treatment outcomes. A new treatment regimen using atovaquone/proguanil hydrochloride, azithromycin, and an artemisinin derivative has recently been shown…

March 14, 2024

Dog Owners – The Thinking Pets Research Program Wants to Hear From You!

The Thinking Pets Research Program is interested in learning more about potential dog and human factors that may influence your dog’s experience at the veterinary clinic. Help our researchers from the comfort of your home! No need to come into the veterinary school this time. All dog owners who are 18+ and have owned their…

January 26, 2024

(Not Currently Enrolling) Dogs with Early Stage Oral Malignant Melanoma

Principle Investigator Dr. Michael Nolan Description NC State University Veterinary Hospital is looking for dogs with stage I or II with oral melanoma for a clinical trial using a new therapeutic drug (GM-1111) and standard-of-care radiotherapy. The purpose of this clinical trial is to evaluate whether the novel therapy has:1. Direct anti-cancer activity,2. Capacity to…

November 09, 2023

Riluzole as a Neuroprotectant in Canine Degenerative Myelopathy

Principle Investigator Dr Natasha Olby Description This study will evaluate the effect of Riluzole, a drug already FDA-approved for the treatment of human ALS, on the progression of clinical signs in dogs with degenerative myelopathy (DM). This therapy has been previously tested for safety in dogs. The study will be randomized and blinded. This means…

October 20, 2023

Now Enrolling Dogs with Invasive Bladder Cancer

Principle Investigator Dr. Paul Hess Description NC State Medical Oncology is enrolling patients for a clinical trial of an experimental immunotherapy for the treatment of bladder cancer. The primary purpose of this study is to investigate the safety and immune-stimulating properties of a novel therapy being developed at NCSU. Testing Requirements 8-day study (Monday –…

October 16, 2023

Research Study for Senior Dogs: Targeting Frailty To Improve Healthspan and Well-Being

Description Over the past decade, there has been an increased interest in assessing frailty in our aging companion animals. The goal of this study is to monitor how frailty in senior dogs progresses over time, and how activity impacts their well-being. We hope to use what we learn to better care for our aging four…

October 03, 2023

Assessment of Hindlimb Function & Perfusion after Transcatheter PDA Occlusion

Principle Investigator Dr. Kursten Pierce Description Each patient undergoing transcatheter PDA occlusion will be assigned to either the femoral artery ligation group or the femoral artery repair group. Both methods have been described in literature and applied in practice as standard of care. Femoral artery repair will be performed by an experienced cardiology interventionalist to…

September 28, 2023

Enrolling Dogs With Stifle or Hip Osteoarthritis on a Study Involving LIBRELA

Principle Investigator Masataka Enomoto, B. Duncan X. Lascelles Description Translational Research in Pain team is seeking dogs with osteoarthritis to take part in astudy aiming to compare the efficacy of two FDA-approved medications. We will do thisusing computerized analysis of gait. Enrolled dogs will all receive one of the FDAapproved drugs. (Half of the dogs…

August 03, 2023

(CLOSED) Immunotherapy Clinical Trial for Patients with Oral Melanoma

Principal Investigator Dr. Michael Nolan Description NC State Veterinary Hospital is now recruiting dogs with oral malignant melanoma to evaluate the safety, tolerability, and efficacy of a novel immunotherapy. The immunotherapy is an antibody that aims to invigorate your dog’s immune system and help it eliminate cancer cells. Study Requirements Follow-up: After your screening appointment,…

July 18, 2023

Now Enrolling Canine Patients with Liver Tumors

Principle Investigator Dr. Mike Sano Description Does your dog have a liver tumor? We are now enrolling canine patients that have a liver tumor into a clinical trial that is using a new therapy called INSPIRE, which uses electrical pulses to safely destroy the cells within a tumor. This study has two treatment groups. One…

February 02, 2023

THE IMPACT OF GI HEALTH ON JOINTS: A CLINICAL STUDY

Principal Investigator Duncan Lascelles Description NC State University College of Veterinary Medicine is seeking dogs with or without mobility problems that are 5 years of age or older and weigh at least 10 kg to take part in a study aiming to evaluate the relationship between intestinal permeability and multiple joint osteoarthritis. Eligibility To be…

January 31, 2023

Screening urine samples from high-risk dog breeds for early bladder cancer

Principal Investigator Dr Shelly Vaden Description This study is screening urine samples from clinically healthy dogs at increased risk of bladder cancer, to determine if they test positive for a genetic marker of the disease (a specific mutation in the dog BRAF gene). The goal is to determine whether this BRAF Mutation Detection test can…

January 31, 2023

Therapeutic trials for canine bladder cancer (NOT CURRENTLY RECRUITING)

Principal Investigator Dr Shelly Vaden Description This study will investigate whether the administration of a dietary supplement slows the progression of canine bladder cancer (also known as transitional cell carcinoma/urothelial carcinoma, or TCC/UC) in dogs treated with standard of care therapy Testing Requirements Participants will be asked to: – bring their dog for an initial…

January 19, 2023

Now Enrolling Dogs with Bladder Cancer

Principal Investigator Dr. Michael Mastromauro Description NC State University College of Veterinary Medicine is enrolling in a clinical trial to investigate if a probiotic can improve cancer care and outcomes in dogs with bladder cancer. This is a placebo-controlled study, not all dogs will receive the probiotic, but all dogs will receivechemotherapy (vinblastine/piroxicam). Testing Requirements…

January 18, 2023

Using the Chiari-like Malformation & Syringomyelia Evaluation (CHASE) Questionnaire* to Assess the Safety & Efficacy of a Novel Pain Management Product in Dogs

Principal Investigator Natasha Olby Description The goals of this study are to evaluate a newly developed questionnaire to assess pain and clinical signs associated with CM/SM in dogs and to evaluate how well a novel veterinary pain management product might treat the condition. Dogs with signs of CM/SM dogs will visit NC State Veterinary hospital…

December 19, 2022

Phase 1 Dose Escalation of Single-Agent Mechlorethamine HCl in Dogs with Lymphoma

Principal Investigator Dr. Joanne Intile Description We are recruiting dogs with lymphoma to determine the optimal dose of a chemotherapy drug called mustargen. Enrolled dogs will receive one free dose of mustargen and undergo follow up blood work for up to two weeks afterwards. Dogs can then receive other chemotherapy drugs, either at NCSU CVM…

September 26, 2022

THE EFFECT OF A NEW COMBINATION OF DIETARY SUPPLEMENTS ON ACTIVITY AND ATTENTION IN AGING DOGS

Description The Canine Neuro-aging Program at NC State College of Veterinary Medicine is recruiting dogs 10 years of age and older to participate in a study on a combination of anti-aging supplements aimed to improve cognitive function, mobility, and quality of life in older dogs. The basis for this study is rooted in our desire…

August 03, 2022

LONGITUDINAL STUDY OF NEURO-AGING IN DOGS

Principal Investigator Natasha Olby Description Canine Cognitive Dysfunction is an age-related neurobehavioral condition that shares similar features to Alzheimer’s disease observed in humans. The progression of this devastating disease ultimately leads to the decline in cognitive function, severely affecting comfort of life for dogs and their owners. The purpose of this study is to track…

August 03, 2022

EARLY INTERVENTION FOR DOBERMAN PINSCHERS AT RISK OF DEVELOPING DILATED CARDIOMYOPATHY

Principal Investigator Kathryn Meurs Description We recently identified a genetic mutation in the Titin gene as a common cause of fatal dilated cardiomyopathy in the Doberman pinscher. Dogs that develop the disease frequently die of the disease either from refractory congestive heart failure or sudden cardiac death. Previous studies have demonstrated that medical intervention of…

August 03, 2022

DOGS DIAGNOSED WITH PRIMARY SPONTANEOUS PNEUMOTHORAX

Principal Investigator Valery Scharf Description NC State University College of Veterinary Medicine is evaluating the feasibility of thoracoscopy (minimally invasive surgery) for the identification and localization of pulmonary bullae associated with spontaneous pneumothorax. The current approach to this disease is open surgical exploration via a median sternotomy; by demonstrating the ability of thoracoscopy to identify…

August 03, 2022

CLINICAL TRIAL FOR DOGS WITH PRIMARY ANGLE CLOSURE GLAUCOMA

Principal Investigator Hans Westermeyer Testing Requirements Your dog will receive an exam from the NC State Ophthalmology Service 1 month after study enrollment and once every 3 months thereafter. Each visit will include: sedation, a complete ophthalmic exam, photography and ultrasound of the eye’s drainage apparatus, retinal thickness measurement, and quantitative pupillary light reflex evaluation.…

August 03, 2022

MEDICAL RESOLUTION OF GALLBLADDER MUCOCELE FORMATION IN DOGS

Principal Investigator Jody Gookin Testing Requirements – Exclusive feeding of Royal Canin Gastrointestinal Low Fat dry or canned food with a 10% snack allowance for up to 1 year (paid for by study). Your dog’s feeding plan will be prescribed and monitored by a veterinary nutritionist. – Oral administration of up to 15 capsules of…

August 03, 2022

INSPIRE THERAPY FOR CANINE MAMMARY CARCINOMA

Principal Investigator Dr. Mike Sano Description This study is looking for dogs with 1-2 discrete mammary tumors measuring between 1-3cm to participate in a clinical trial that is investigating a new therapy called INSPIRE, which uses electrical pulses to safely destroy the membranes of cells within a tumor. Owners will need to bring their dog…

August 03, 2022

Investigating the Efficacy of a Dietary Supplement in Delaying the Progression of Canine Urothelial Carcinoma/Bladder Cancer 

Principal Investigator Dr Shelly Vaden Description This study will investigate: 1. whether urine-based screening for a genetic marker (a specific mutation in the BRAF gene) can detect canine urothelial carcinoma/bladder cancer before the onset of clinical signs. 2. whether a dietary supplement delays the onset of clinical signs in dogs that have a detectable urinary…

August 03, 2022

Osteoarthritis Oral Microbiome Analysis in Dogs

Principal Investigator Jody Gookin Description A one-time saliva sample from your dog to analyze their oral microbiome (the microbial composition of their mouths). The analysis will allow us to identify patterns associated with the presence or absence of certain diseases. Testing Requirements A one-time visit to NCSU for a physical exam and  saliva sample.  There…

August 02, 2022

FUNCTIONAL CONNECTIVITY MRI IN DOGS WITH IDIOPATHIC EPILEPSY

Principal Investigator Karen Munana Description We are recruiting dogs with idiopathic epilepsy that have experienced at least 2 seizures and are not on antiseizure medications. Dogs that qualify will receive a brain MRI and spinal tap free of charge. For additional details, see: Epilepsy functional MRI Testing Requirements None Enrollment Start 06/01/2022 Enrollment Finish 12/31/2024…