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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 Thomson, RVT, cvm_cprl@ncsu.edu or 919.513.6854
• Does your dog have a heart murmur?

Cats with suspect hypertrophic cardiomyopathy - asymptomatic

• Description: We are recruiting cats with untreated asymptomatic hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) or suspected HCM for a prospective, placebo-controlled, randomized, double- blinded clinical trial. We hope to identify correlations between quality-of-life scores, activity level (measured by accelerometer), echocardiographic parameters and cardiac biomarkers before and after 6 months of treatment with oral atenolol.
• Eligibility:
  • Be between the ages of 1 and 10 years
  • Have HCM with left atrial enlargement based on echocardiogram
  • Have no serious concurrent conditions, i.e. renal failure, cancer, diabetes
  • Not currently be receiving antibiotics, cardiac medications or NSAIDs
  • Have a heart rate > 150 beats per minute
  • Be able to take daily oral medication for 6 months
  • Be able to wear a collar and remain indoors for (2) two-week activity level recordings via accelerometer
• Financial Incentive: Cats screened and included in the trial will receive a physical exam from a board certified cardiologist, blood pressure, echocardiogram, CBC, chemistry profile, T4, NTproBNP, cTnI. Cats screened but excluded from the trial will receive a physical exam and 2D echocardiogram at a discounted cost to the owner (~ $150)
• Who to contact: Allison Klein, Cardiology Research Technician at 919.513.6325 or e mail allison_klein@ncsu.edu 

Prospective Clinical Evaluation of B-type Natriuretic Peptide (BNP) in Dogs

• Description: This study is being undertaken to better understand the clinical utility of a blood test, measuring b-type natriuretic peptide (or simply BNP), in the evaluation of heart disease in dogs. BNP is a hormone released from the heart in response to stretch or strain to the heart muscle.
• Eligibility: We will be enrolling dogs into one of five arms of this study.
  • Normal control dogs (no heart disease): We need to establish a normal reference range for BNP in dogs with no heart or renal disease.
  • Renal dogs (and no heart disease): To better understand the relationship of renal disease and BNP, we will be enrolling dogs with renal disease and no heart disease
  • Dogs with difficulty in breath or cough: To better understand the clinical utility of the BNP test in dogs with suspect heart failure, we will be enrolling dogs presenting with cough or difficult breathing.
  • Dogs hospitalized for congestive heart failure: To better understand if the BNP test at hospital discharge may provide some prognostic information, we will be enrolling dogs who were hospitalized for congestive heart failure management and are going home.
  • Dogs with a grade 3/6 left sided murmur due to mitral valve disease and no congestive heart failure: To better understand if the BNP test correlates with severity and progression of mitral valve disease prior to the onset of congestive heart failure over time, we will be enrolling dogs with mitral valve disease with a grade 3/6 murmur and no congestive heart failure
• Financial Incentive: For all study dogs, study will pay for all the BNP tests and blood tests (complete blood test, chemistry panel) performed at Antech Laboratory.

Additionally, the study will pay for the following:

• For normal healthy control dogs, the study will pay for the exam visit, blood pressure and echocardiogram if BNP is elevated.
• For the dogs with renal disease, the study will pay for the blood pressure, echocardiogram.
• For the dogs with cough or difficult breathing, the study will pay for one chest xray. 
• For the dogs with mitral valvular heart disease and some atrial enlargement, the study will pay for one chest xray for each visit up to 3 years or onset of heart failure.
• Who to contact: Dr. Terri DeFrancesco is the Veterinary Cardiologist in charge of the study. For more information, questions or to schedule an appointment, please contact Allison Klein, Cardiology Research Technician, at 919.513.6325 or email at: allison_klein@ncsu.edu

Internal Medicine

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, 1060 William Moore Drive, Raleigh, NC 27607
• For additional details: http://cvm.ncsu.edu/docs/personnel/gookin_jody.html

Evaluation of the Effect of Rehydrated Lyophilized Platelet Infusion on Hemostasis in Bleeding Dogs with Severe Idiopathic Immune-Medicated Thrombocytopenia (ITP)

• Description: Currently there is no convenient way to provide thrombocytopenic dogs with platelets.  The currently available platelet products (whole blood, platelet rich plasma, and platelet concentrate) require either donor animals or ultra-low freezer storage.  As a result, dogs are usually given red blood cells to treat their anemia while waiting for treatments such as steroids and vincristine to take effect in increasing their platelet count. This study will evaluate a new way to administer platelets to dogs that bleeding due to their ITP.  Treatment will involve administration of a new platelet preparation called rehydrated lyophilized platelets.  Rehydrated lyophilized platelets are freeze-dried platelets that have been reconstituted in saline.  Rehydrated lyophilized platelets have been shown in models to very effectively stop bleeding.  This product has been safely given over 50 times to healthy dogs.  Prior to rehydration, these platelets can be stored for prolonged periods of time at room temperature. Dogs will be randomized to receive either an infusion of one dose of rehydrated lyophilized platelets or placebo (saline).  Dogs will receive standard supportive care (intravenous fluids, red cell transfusions, supportive medications, steroids, vincristine) deemed necessary by the attending veterinarian at NCSU CVM.  *Local clinics may be able to participate in the study without patient referral (i.e. keep the patient at their clinic). A standard protocol for care of the ITP patient will need to be followed and the study organizers will have to determine that the patient meets the admission criterion.*
• Eligibility: Dogs that are bleeding sufficiently from their ITP to require a packed red blood cell transfusion are eligible to enter this trial to assess the efficacy of a novel platelet product, rehydrated lyophilized platelets.
• Financial Incentive: $150.00 towards hospitalization and treatment and if the dog is randomized to receive the rehydrated lyophilized platelets they will receive this costly product free of charge.  
• Who to contact: Dana LeVine; work 919.966.8066 or pager 919.982.1761; dnlevine@ncsu.edu or Adam Birkenheuer 919.513.8288

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

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Neurology

Medical Therapy of Chronic Canine Paralysis

• Description: Acute spinal cord injuries are a common problem in dogs due to disc herniations and trauma. As a result of the poor regenerative capacity of the nervous system, many dogs make an incomplete recovery and are left with permanent hind limb weakness. This trial will compare the effect of two different drugs and a placebo on hind limb strength and motor function, and on bladder function.
• Eligibility: Eligible dogs have suffered an acute thoracolumbar spinal cord injury at least 6 months previously that resulted in permanent inability to use the hind limbs. Dogs must not have a urinary tract infection at time of starting the trial.
• Financial Incentive: Funding will cover hospitalization for evaluation of the patient during the trial, and the cost of the trial drugs.
• Who to Contact: The Canine Spinal Cord Injury Program: 919.513.7235, email: ivddstudy@lists.ncsu.edu

Canine Acute Intervertebral Disc Herniations – Evaluation of Different Neuroprotective Therapies

• Description: Certain breeds of dog are predisposed to acute disc herniations that can cause devastating spinal cord injuries. In severe cases, current therapy focuses on surgical removal of the herniated disc material to decompress the spinal cord but adjunctive medical therapy is controversial. In this study we are comparing two neuroprotective drugs with placebo in dogs with surgically treated disc herniations.
• Eligibility: Eligible dogs have suffered an acute thoracolumbar disc herniations causing paralysis with loss of sensation to the hind limbs. The injury must have happened within the last 24 hours, the dogs must be aged between 2 and 10 years, and weigh less than 25kg. Prior treatment with steroids will exclude them from the trial.
• Financial Incentive: This study funds the cost of the trial drugs and recheck evaluations at 2, 4, 8 and 12 weeks after the injury.
• Who to Contact: The Canine Spinal Cord Injury Program: 919.513.7235, email: ivddstudy@lists.ncsu.edu

The Genetics of Canine Cerebellar Degenerative Diseases

• Description: Hereditary cerebellar degenerative diseases (also known as abiotrophies) are a relatively common problem in certain breeds of dog. This study aims to identify the genetic causes of cerebellar degeneration in different breeds of dog using a combination of linkage and association analysis. Blood samples are taken from affected dogs and their relatives to provide DNA for this study.
• Eligibility: Any dog diagnosed with a cerebellar degenerative disorder is eligible for this study. We are particularly interested in obtaining samples from Scottish Terriers, Gordon Setters, Labrador Retrievers and Old English Sheepdogs.  
• Financial Incentive: There is no financial incentive to take part in this study.
• Who to Contact: Natasha Olby: 919.513.7235, email: Natasha_olby@ncsu.edu

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: As of September 1, 2009, only Collies 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

Recruiting dogs for Epilepsy Study: Keppra and Phenobarbital and/or Potassium Bromide Needed for study

• Description: Recruitment is open for dogs with epilepsy that are being treated with Keppra (levetiracetam) and Phenobarbital (group I) Keppra and Potassium Bromide (group II) , or Keppra, Phenobarbital and Potassium Bromide (group III) for a Pharmacokinetic study. This study is being conducted at North Carolina State University-College of Veterinary Medicine, under the direction of Dr. Karen Munana, DVM, DACVIM (Neurology).
• Eligibility: If your dog has been diagnosed with epilepsy, and is receiving the drugs listed above in any of the 3 groups listed, we are interested in sampling your pet to determine how Keppra interacts with the other anticonvulsants through sequential blood sampling in a one-day study.
• Financial Incentive: All blood levels will be provided to the owners at no-charge. If you are interested in more information regarding this project, or to see if your pet qualifies.
• Who to contact: Please contact Julie Osborne, julie_osborne@ncsu.edu or 919-513-6812. We would like to thank Toby's Foundation, www.tobysfoundation.org for their assistance in the funding of this important project.

Effect of Cranberry Extract on Myelopathy-Associated Urinary Tract Infections

• Description: Acute spinal cord injuries are a common problem in dogs, and cause paralysis of the hind legs and of the bladder. In the period following a spinal cord injury, before the bladder regains normal function, dogs are predisposed to developing urinary tract infections. There is evidence that cranberry extract can inhibit the development of urinary tract infections by reducing the ability of certain bacteria to stick to the bladder wall. This study will evaluate whether cranberry extract can reduce the prevalence of urinary tract infections in dogs with spinal cord injuries following disc herniations by comparing dogs treated with a placebo with dogs treated with cranberry extract.
• Eligibility: In order to qualify for the study your dog must have suffered a thoracolumbar spinal cord injury due to a disc herniation that was severe enough to cause the inability to walk, and that was treated with decompressive surgery at NCSU Veterinary Teaching Hospital or Gulf Coast Veterinary Specialists.
• Financial Incentive: Your dog will receive cranberry extract or placebo, as well as urinalysis and urine cultures free of charge.  Your dog will also be rechecked free of charge three times following surgery, enabling us to closely monitor its progress. 
• Who to contact: Kim Williams at Kimberly_Williams@ncsu.edu  Tel:  919.513.7235

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Oncology

Pulse Palladia™ plus CCNU for the Treatment of Measurable Canine Mast Cell Tumors

• Description: Mast cell tumors are one of the most common skin tumors in dogs. Conventional treatment consists of surgery ± radiation therapy. In some situations, however, tumors are highly malignant, inoperable and/or have spread to other places in the body, making systemic chemotherapy a worthwhile part of treatment. To date, studies have focused on the use of single or combined chemotherapy protocols consisting of prednisone, vinblastine, and CCNU, with response rates of approximately 20-45% lasting for a few to several months. More recently, a new drug called Palladia has been developed specifically for the treatment of canine mast cell tumors. This drug works in a unique way, targeting a specific mutation present in mast cell tumors. Response rates to Palladia are approximately 40-45%. The goal of the current study is to evaluate the combination of conventional CCNU chemotherapy with Palladia in hopes of improving outcome for dogs with mast cell tumors. This study will also determine the optimal dosage of combined CCNU and Palladia in dogs.
• Eligibility: Dogs with measurable mast cell tumors.
• Financial incentive: The study will provide the chemotherapy drugs CCNU and Palladia and will cover the majority of costs of blood work performed as part of treatment monitoring.  Clients will be responsible for costs associated with initial evaluation, recheck visit evaluations, and any concurrent medications.
• Who to contact: Study coordinator, Ms. Julie Osborne, RVT, at (919)513-6812 or via email at julie_osborne@ncsu.edu.

Impact of Palladia™ on Canine Osteosarcoma

• Description: Osteosarcoma is the most common bone cancer in dogs. Tumors are locally invasive and have a high rate of metastasis (spread to other places in the body). We are evaluating the use of a novel approach to the treatment of osteosarcoma involving the use of an oral medication (Palladia™) following amputation. Palladia™ has the ability to disrupt the blood supply to tumor cells and may therefore help delay or prevent the onset of metastasis.
• Eligibility: Dogs with appendicular osteosarcoma with no radiographic evidence of pulmonary metastasis undergoing amputation
• Financial incentive: The study will cover the costs of Palladia™ and blood work associated with drug monitoring. Clients will be responsible for costs associated with initial evaluation, amputation, and every other month thoracic radiographs (approx. $150/visit)
• Who to contact: Study coordinator, Ms. Julie Osborne, RVT, at (919) 513-6812 or via email at julie_osborne@ncsu.edu.

The Impact of Metronomic Therapy following Amputation and Carboplatin Chemotherapy in Canine Osteosarcoma

• Description: Osteosarcoma is the most common bone cancer in dogs. Tumors are locally invasive and have a high rate of metastasis (spread to other places in the body). A multi-center study based out of the Ohio State University (NCSU is a participating institution) is assessing a novel approach to the treatment of osteosarcoma involving the use of low-dose metronomic therapy following amputation and carboplatin chemotherapy. Low-dose metronomic therapy has the ability to disrupt the blood supply to tumor cells and may therefore help delay or prevent the onset of metastasis.
• Eligibility: Dogs with appendicular osteosarcoma with no radiographic evidence of pulmonary metastasis undergoing amputation
• Financial incentive: The study will provide the chemotherapy drug carboplatin and the low-dose metronomic therapy cocktail, as well as provide a financial incentive for follow-up monitoring. Clients will be responsible for costs associated with initial evaluation, amputation, chemotherapy visit evaluation, and a portion of monthly follow-up visits.
• Who to contact: Study coordinator, Ms. Julie Osborne, RVT, at (919) 513-6812 or via email at julie_osborne@ncsu.edu.

 

Feline Fibrosarcoma Study

• Description: Injection-site sarcomas are devastating tumors in cats, which occur at sites of a previous injection or vaccination. Vaccines were first suspected as an underlying cause of these sarcomas, but other types of injections also appear to cause the tumors. The laboratory of Dr. Marlene Hauck is evaluating the genetic changes that are seen in these tumors along with genetic changes seen in spontaneously arising sarcomas and injection site reactions. Our goal is to identify potential targets for treatment and prevention to improve the outcome for cats with sarcomas. A biopsy sample is obtained from the sarcoma for the genetic analysis. This can occur at NCSU or at the primary veterinarian.
• Eligibility: Any cat diagnosed wtih an injection-site sarcoma or spontaneously arising sarcoma. The biopsy must be placed immediately in a RNA preserving solution.
• Financial Incentive: There is no financial incentive to take part in this study. We are happy to ship the RNA preservative solution to any veterinarian performing a biopsy on a cat suspected of one of the above conditions.
• Who to contact: Call or email Julie Fisher 919.513.8276 or julie_fisher@ncsu.edu

Canine Soft Tissue Sarcoma

• Description: Soft tissue sarcomas are the most common type of solid tumors in dogs.  They are locally invasive tumors with a high local recurrence rate.  The metastasis rate is around 25-33% depending on the tumor type and grade.  The laboratory of Dr. Marlene Hauck is evaluating the genetic changes that are seen soft tissue sarcomas that metastasize versus ones that do not.  Our goal is to identify a gene or protein “signature” to identify those tumors most likely to metastasize, and ultimately to improve the outcome for dogs with soft tissue sarcomas.  A biopsy sample is obtained from the sarcoma for the genetic analysis and immediately placed in an RNA preserving solution.  This can occur at NCSU or at the primary veterinarian.
• Eligibility: Dogs diagnosed with the following types of soft tissue sarcomas: fibrosarcomas, hemangiopericytomas, peripheral nerve sheath tumors, liposarcomas, leiomyosarcomas, rhabdomyosarcomas, myxosarcomas and undifferentiated sarcomas.
• Financial Incentive: There is no financial incentive to take part in this study, but we will ship the preservative to any veterinarian willing to collect a biopsy.
• Who to contact: Call or email Julie Fisher 919.513.8276 or julie_fisher@ncsu.edu

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Ophthalmology

Dry Eye in Dogs

• Description: The ophthalmology service is conducting a clinical trial of a new eye drop medication for the treatment of keratoconjunctivitis (KCS), or dry eye. Dogs will be evaluated by the NCSU CVM Ophthalmology Service, and enrolled dogs will be required to return to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital for 4 follow-up visits on Days 7, 14, 28, and 56.
• Eligibility: The study is recruiting dogs newly diagnosed with KCS, in one or both eyes, or dogs that are currently being treated for KCS with Cyclosporine or Tacrolimus.  Dogs newly diagnosed must have a Schirmer Tear Test (STT) of  ≥5 mm/min and <10 mm/min for either eye prior to initiation of treatment.  Dogs already undergoing treatment for KCS will undergo a washout period (removed from all medications except artificial tears) prior to enrollment.  After the washout period, dogs must have STT of  ≥5 mm/min and <10 mm/min.
• Financial incentive: Study visits, evaluations, laboratory tests, and study medication will be provided at no cost to the owner.  Owners of dogs completing the study will receive financial compensation of $150.  Referring veterinary professionals will receive a bonus for referral of patient candidates that present for study screening.
• Who to contact: Please call Damian Launer at 919.513.6659 or email at damian_launer@ncsu.edu.

Dogs with bilateral cataracts

• Description: The purpose of this study is to determine the effectiveness of a novel method of sustained ocular release of celecoxib, an anti- inflammatory medication that can decrease ocular inflammation and eliminate the development of "after-cataract". 
• Eligibility: The study is recruiting dogs that are a good candidate for bilateral cataract surgery, healthy dogs or those with controlled diabetes mellitus. Dogs must have no systemic illness that would interfere with study evaluations or completion.
• Financial incentive: The cost of the intraocular lens implants and routine post-operative recheck examination for up to one year (1 week, 3 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months) will be provided at no cost to the owner.  The study benefits equate to an incentive of approximately $500.
• Who to contact: Please call Damian Launer at 919.513.6659 or email at damian_launer@ncsu.edu.

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Pain Management

Cats with osteoarthritis

• Description: NCSU Comparative Pain Research Laboratory is conducting an 8-week trial for cats that have osteoarthritis. We will be testing nutritional supplements to be added to their meal. Cat will wear an activity monitor on their collar to help evaluate efficacy of supplement.
• Eligibility: Cat must have osteoarthritis that is confirmed on examination and radiographs.
• Financial incentive: Study will pay for examinations, blood work, urinalysis, radiographs (if needed), and nutritional supplements.
• 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.

 

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Surgery

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. Following hip replacement, over 95% of dogs develop normal hip function. Contact the orthopaedic service for current pricing.
• Who to contact: Dr. Simon Roe or Dr. Denis Marcellin-Little 919.513.6588

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Page last updated June 20, 2011