Clinical Investigations
Cardiology
Dogs with Heart Disease
- Description: An FDA approved clinical trial to determine the effectiveness of a new strategy for delaying the onset of heart failure in dogs with chronic valvular heart disease (endocardiosis). Eligible dogs will be treated with either the test drug or a placebo for a maximum of 4 years.
- Eligibility: Dogs with hemodynamically significant but clinically asymptomatic mitral valve regurgitation (characterized by a typical heart murmur grade 3/6 or louder, coupled with significant left atrial enlargement).
- Financial Incentive for Clients: All costs of medical care related to the clinical trial, including screening of dogs with appropriate heart murmurs, are paid for by the sponsor for the duration of the trial. This includes a physical exam, echocardiogram, chest x-rays, ECG, blood pressure measurement, and routine blood work.
- Who to contact: Call Allison Klein in the Cardiology Research Lab at 919.513.6325 or by e-mail allison_klein@ncsu.edu
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?
Behavior Services
Dogs that Exhibit Travel Anxiety
- Description: This double-blind, placebo-controlled study will evaluate the effect of a nutraceutical supplement or placebo for the management of travel anxiety in dogs. The supplement and placebo are highly palatable poultry-based formulations that dogs consume readily. Patients will be monitored over a 10-week study period, including two visits to the North Carolina State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital in Raleigh, NC, under the direction of Dr. Barbara Sherman. Online access is required as clients will complete online surveys during the study to report their pet’s progress.
- Eligibility: Dogs that display clinical signs consistent with travel anxiety, including trembling, pacing, or drooling while traveling in a car, but in otherwise good health, may qualify. Signs must have been observed for a minimum of three months. Dogs need to be current on vaccinations and cannot undergo any other behavior modification or behavioral medication therapies during the study. To learn if their dog qualifies for the study, clients should call the Anxiety Study Hotline (1-877-605-1210).
- Financial Incentive: The office visits, examination, and supplement (or placebo) are provided at no charge to the client. A $50 gift card will be given at the completion of the study.
- Who to contact: Call the Anxiety Study Hotline (1-877-605-1210). Additional enrollment instructions will be given at the time of the call.
Cats that Urine Mark (Spray Urine)
- Description: This double-blind, placebo-controlled study will evaluate the effect of a nutraceutical supplement or placebo for the management of anxiety-related urine marking in cats. The supplement and placebo are highly palatable, poultry-based formulations consumed by most cats. Patients will be monitored over a 10-week study period, including two visits to the North Carolina State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital in Raleigh, NC, under the direction of Dr. Barbara Sherman. Online access is required as clients will complete online surveys during the study to report their cat’s progress.
- Eligibility: Cats that display urine marking behavior on vertical (upright) surfaces may qualify. Signs must have been observed for a minimum of three months and not be caused by medical problems. In multi-cat households, the affected cat must be clearly identified. Cats need to be current on vaccinations and cannot undergo any other behavior modification or behavioral medication therapies during the study. To learn if their cat qualifies for the study, clients should call the Anxiety Study Hotline (1-877-605-1210).
- Financial Incentive: The office visits, examination, and supplement (or placebo) are provided at no charge to the client. A $50 gift card will be given at the completion of the study.
- Who to contact: Call the Anxiety Study Hotline (1-877-605-1210). Additional enrollment instructions will be given at the time of the call.
Dermatology
Treatment of Mild to Moderate Canine Atopic Dermatitis, a common allergic skin disease
- Description: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic, relapsing, pruritic, IgE-mediated dermatitis with characteristic clinical features. Current oral treatments with highest evidence of efficacy include glucocorticoids and cyclosporine. A pilot study performed at NCSU CVM established the likely benefit of low-dose, once weekly aminopterin, a methotrexate analogue, for treatment of AD in dogs. The study is a randomized, blinded, placebo-controlled clinical study of 12 weeks duration. Dogs will be evaluated for eligibility, requiring 1 or 2 visits, by the NCSU CVM Dermatology Service. Upon consent of the owner, dogs meeting the eligibility criteria will be assigned to one of 4 aminopterin dosage regimens or placebo. Owners will receive a supply of study medication to administer twice weekly, and will be required to return the dog to the VTH for 4 follow-up visits.
- Eligibility: Dogs must satisfy all of the following criteria: Diagnosis of mild to moderate atopic dermatitis, no concurrent flea infestations or skin infections, at least 6 months of age, weigh 10 to 50 kg, positive intradermal or IgE serological tests in the past, not pregnant or lactating, no active neoplasia, have not received oral glucocorticoids or cyclosporine in 3 weeks, antihistamines in 1 week, or beginning immunotherapy in the last 6 months.
- 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 are eligible to receive $30 in NCSU-VTH credit per visit. Dogs completing the study are eligible to receive an additional supply of study medication for up to 2 years (quarterly follow-up required).
- Who to contact: NCSU_CVM Dermatology Service at 919-513-6543.
- For more information on this trial, click here.
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, 4700 Hillsborough Street, Raleigh, NC 27606
- For additional details: http://cvm.ncsu.edu/docs/personnel/gookin_jody.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
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.
- 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 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
Dogs with Idiopathic Epilepsy
- Description: North Carolina State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine (CVM) is participating in a national clinical trial evaluating a new drug to treat canine idiopathic epilepsy - a chronic condition affecting some four million dogs that is characterized by recurring seizures for which an underlying cause has not been identified. The largest clinical trial of its kind, the blinded study is sponsored by a major animal health pharmaceutical company and is regulated by the Food and Drug Administration. Hundreds of dogs at multiple investigator sites across the country are participating in the study, which will help build a body of evidence-based research that may lead to new insights into canine idiopathic epilepsy and its treatment. Breeds with evidence of genetic predisposition to seizures include beagles, Belgian Tervurens, British Alsatians, collies, dachshunds, golden retrievers, keeshonden, Labrador retrievers, vizslas, German shepherd dogs, and Bernese mountain dogs. Most epileptic dogs suffer their first seizure between the age of one and five years, and male dogs slightly outnumber females in most studies.
- Eligibility: Qualifying canine patients must be at least four months old, not previously treated with anti-seizure medication, weigh at least 11 lbs (5 kg), have no previous history of seizure clusters, and not be pregnant. Candidates must be seen by the clinical investigator within seven days of the most recent seizure. Dogs that meet the initial eligibility criteria receive free medical evaluations and diagnostic tests. Dogs that are enrolled in the treatment phase of the study receive free medication (no placebo) and monthly exams as well as a CT scan or MRI if over five years of age.
- Financial Incentive: Owners of participating dogs are eligible to have funds credited to their accounts at their referring veterinary hospitals. The medication given to participants may or may not help their seizures. As with all medications, there are risks and benefits, all of which will be discussed with dog owners prior to enrollment. A consumer web site has been created to help answer dog owner questions at www.HelpForDogsWithSeizures.com. Veterinarians receive financial rewards for referring qualified dogs for screening, and additional rewards if the dogs are enrolled into treatment. Veterinarians may call 888-598-7125, ext. 208 for additional information.
- Who to contact: To learn more about epilepsy research at NC State visit: http://cvm.ncsu.edu/epilepsyresearch
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
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
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.
- Eligibility: Dogs that are currently being treated for KCS in one or both eyes with Cyclosporine or Tacrolimus. The study requires weekly visits to NC State for two months.
- Financial incentive: This is a sponsored study that pays for ocular examinations and related medications for two months. There is also a financial reward if the clinical trial is completed.
- Who to contact: Please call Sandy Machon at 919.513.6659 or email at sandra_machon@ncsu.edu.
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.
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. 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
Page last updated October 12, 2009