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Clinical Investigations

Cardiology

 

Dogs with mitral valve insufficiency and heart failure

• Description: The cardiology section is participating in a multicenter clinical trial evaluating a medical therapy for congestive heart failure in dogs. To qualify for the study dogs must have been diagnosed with mitral valvular insufficiency and resultant heart failure (shortness of breath/cough with accompanying radiographic evidence of pulmonary edema). Only dogs which have received medical therapy for congestive heart failure for less than 7 days are eligible for enrollment. Patients will be seen by the NCSU cardiologists at the time of enrollment and again at 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, 9 months, and 12 months.
• Eligibility:
  • minimum body weight of 5.5 lbs
  • radiographic evidence of pulmonary edema and cardiomegaly (Vertebral Heart Score > 10.5)
  • left sided murmur consistent with acquired valvular heart disease, grade 3/6 or louder
  • treatment for CHF no longer than 7 days prior to enrollment in the study
  • The pet can receive furosemide and any other rescue drug for up to 7 pre-enrollment days. After enrollment, oral furosemide, study drug, control drug (a cardiac drug, not placebo) and digoxin and/or diltiazem to control heart rate in atrial fibrillation are the only cardiac drugs that can be used until heart failure recurs and the pet leaves the study.
• Financial incentive: The study will cover essentially all cardiac related medical costs (travel, office visits with an NCSU cardiologist, echocardiogram, ECG, radiographs, lab work, blood pressure, and study drug or control) for up to 1 year.
• Who to contact: NCSU Cardiology 919-513-6694

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

 

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Dermatology

As study of exfoliative superficial pyoderma: epidermal collarettes

• Description: This study will investigate the clinical, cytological, infectious, histopathological and ultrastructural features of exfoliative superficial pyoderma associated epidermal collarettes in dogs.
• Study summary: Dogs will be evaluated through the Dermatology Service at NC State. Dogs with active lesions, and fulfilling study criteria, will qualified for participation. Dogs will undergo skin cytology, bacterial culture, and skin biopsy of the affected areas.
• Patient eligibility:
  • Dogs must satisfy all of the following criteria:
    • Presence of at least one expanding epidermal collarette.
    • Dogs receiving antibiotic or antibacterial therapies may be included if epidermal collarettes are still developing or are not resolving with such therapy.
  • Dogs with the following conditions will be excluded:
    • Dogs treated with oral glucocorticoids in the previous 4 weeks.
    • Dogs treated with injectable glucocorticoids in the previous 8 weeks.
    • Dogs treated with topical glucocorticoids in the previous 2 weeks.
    • Dogs treated with oral cyclosporine in the previous 3 weeks.
• Study benefits and incentives: Study funding will cover the initial dermatology evaluation, skin cytology, bacterial culture, and skin biopsy procedures. Pet owners will receive an additional incentive credit of $150 to be used at NC State CVM Veterinary Health Complex.
• Who to contact: Dermatology Service: 919-513-6543 or Dr. Frane Banovic fbanovi@ncsu.edu

 

Internal Medicine

Multi-institutional clinical study for dogs with non-azotemic primary glomerular disease

• Purpose: To evaluate the effects of titrating up doses of enalapril on maximal reductions in urine protein excretion. The current recommended enalapril dose was established using 75% suppression of ACE activity as the desired pharmacodynamic end-point. However, recent studies in people suggest that higher doses may be required for maximal reduction in urine protein excretion and may dramatically improve patient survival.
• Study Design: Participants will be randomized into either a standard enalapril dose or an up-titrated enalapril dose group.  Dogs in the standard dose group will have follow-up visits at 12, 24 and 36 weeks. Dogs in the up-titrated dose group will have the dose of enalapril gradually increased over 1-2 visits (weeks 3 and 6) until the maximal reduction in urine protein: creatinine ratio is noted, then follow-up visits at 12, 24 and 36 weeks.
• Location: All initial and follow-up visits will be performed at the NCSU Randall B. Terry, Jr. Companion Animal Veterinary Medical Center.
• Eligibility: Dogs with the following criteria will be eligible for the study:
• A diagnosis of proteinuric renal disease that is unlikely to be secondary to a concurrent disease.
• A urine protein: creatinine ratio > 3.0 in the absence of cytologic evidence of lower urinary tract disease.
• Dogs will be excluded from the study if they have the following:
  • Serum creatinine concentration >1.5 mg/dl
  • Nephrotic syndrome
  • Concurrent disease which may alter glomerular filtration rate or is associated with an expected survival of <12 months
  • The owner is not able to comply with the study requirements. 
• Study Incentives:
  • Study pays for $300 of initial visit of eligible dogs, which will include CBC, chemistry panel, urinalysis, urine protein:creatinine ratio, systolic blood pressure, abdominal ultrasound and glomerular filtration rate.
  • All recheck exams and tests are covered fully by the study.
• For more information: contact Tonya Harris: 919-513-6206, tonya_harris@ncsu.edu

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

 

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

Survey: Impacts of Epilepsy in Companion Animals

• Description: This survey is designed to collect information from pet owners on their experiences with epilepsy, including the types and frequency of observed seizures, diagnosis of cause, medications used to control seizures, costs of treatment, and a detailed assessment of the animal's quality of life. Information from the survey is expected to support research funding efforts, future clinical activities, knowledge about owner issues in supporting an animal with epilepsy, and suggest ideas for future outreach, education, and research.
• Eligibility: Patient owners who have a dog, cat, or horse with epilepsy will be asked to complete an online survey.
• Benefits: There are no financial benefits for study participation.
• Who to Contact: Julie Osborne at Julie_osborne@ncsu.edu. For additional information, visit http://www.cvm.ncsu.edu/news/2011-12-08-CVM-Online-Survey-Gathers-Epilepsy-Information.html

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

 

Clinical study to assess the clinical safety, effectiveness, and maximally tolerated dose of a new orally administered chemotherapy drug under development for dogs with lymphoma.

• Description: This sponsored clinical study seeks to assess the clinical safety, effectiveness, and maximally tolerated dose of a new orally administered chemotherapy drug under development for dogs with lymphoma. Dogs with suspected or confirmed lymphoma will be screened and staged for disease.  Dogs confirmed with B-cell lymphoma, and who meet patient eligibility criteria, will be enrolled in the study.   Enrolled dogs will be treated with study medication and observed in the hospital for 2 days.  Patients will be discharged, and owners will receive a supply of study medication to administer to their dog once daily by mouth.   Patients will return to the hospital once weekly for 4 weeks. ***UPDATE 05-16-13: ENROLLMENT IS CURRENTLY CLOSED, PLEASE CHECK BACK SOON***
• Eligibility: Referred patients will receive full staging and screening at NC State.
  • Dogs must satisfy the following criteria:
    • diagnosed with B-cell lymphoma, substage "a" (not clinically sick)
    • Evidence of multiple lymph node enlargement
  • Dogs with the following conditions will be excluded:
    • T-cell lymphoma
    • B-cell lymphoma subclassified as "b" with systemic signs of illness
    • Dogs who have previously received chemotherapy for lymphoma
    • Dogs previously treated with corticosteroids within 14 days of enrollment, or long-acting corticosteroids within 60 days of enrollment
    • currently receiving cardiac, anticonvulsant, or behavioral medication
    • diabetes mellitus or other uncontrolled endocrine disorders
    • existing renal, cardiovascular, hepatic, or gastrointestinal tract dysfunction
  • Financial incentive: Study funding will cover all enrollment and study related examinations, blood and urine tests, radiographs, ultrasound, electrocardiograms, sample collections (including lymph node biopsy), anesthesia, hospitalization, and study medications for qualifying patients.  In addition, participants will receive $1000 credit towards follow-up oncology care for all patients completing the study or removed per the study design.
  • Who to contact: CCMTR Clinical Studies Core, Lyndy Harden 919-513-6384, ccmtr_csc@ncsu.edu, or Oncology Service, Dr. Marlene Hauck 919-513-6690

The Impact of the Multi-Kinase Inhibitor Palladia™ on Angiogenesis and Survival 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). 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.
• Who to contact: Study coordinator, Ms. Julie Osborne, RVT, at (919) 513-6812 or via email at julie_osborne@ncsu.edu.

The Impact of the Multi-Kinase Inhibitor Palladia™ on Angiogenesis and Survival 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). We are evaluating the use of a novel approach to the treatment of osteosarcoma involving the use of an oral medication (Palladia™) following standard of care treatment (amputation and four cycles of carboplatin chemotherapy). 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 following amputation and four cycles of carboplatin chemotherapy.
• 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.
• Who to contact: Study coordinator, Ms. Julie Osborne, RVT, at (919) 513-6812 or via email at julie_osborne@ncsu.edu.

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.

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 Rose Caspar at 919.513.8276 or rose_caspar@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 Rose Caspar at 919.513.8276 or rose_caspar@ncsu.edu

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Pain Management

Evaluation of the Pain Alleviating Effects of NV-01 in Dogs Suffering from Osteoarthritis-Associated Pain

• Description: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of NV-01, an antibody to nerve growth factor, for the treatment of osteoarthritis pain in dogs. This is a blinded, placebo controlled, pilot study. Twenty four dogs will be recruited into this study. Each dog will be evaluated over an 8 week period for changes in pain and mobility using various owner assessments, activity monitors, kinetic variables and veterinarian-assessed joint pain.
• Eligibility:

  • Dogs must satisfy the following criteria:
    • Must have decreased mobility due to painful osteoarthritis.
    • Be at least 1 year of age and weigh more than 15 kg (33 lbs).
  • Dogs with the following conditions will be excluded:
    • Other conditions that may be causing immobility or pain (neurological disease, surgical altercation, L-S pain).
    • Concurrent diseases and conditions including, but not limited to, cardiovascular disease, renal disease, liver disease, neoplasia, UTI, hypothyroidism, diabetes mellitus or infectious disease.

• Owner obligations:
  • We need owners of dogs to be able to commit to the following:
    • Agree to evaluate their dog for a continuous 10-week period.
    • Have a predictable and stable lifestyle (e.g. no impending house moves, new baby or pets).
    • Keep the basic management (exercise, routines) of the dog as stable and consistent as possible during the study period.
• Study incentives: The study will cover the cost of the examination, hospitalization, blood work and urinalysis, radiographs, and study drug. No other financial incentives are offered for participation. 
• Who to contact: Call Beth Case at (919) 513-6853 or email at beth_case@ncsu.edu. For additional information visit the study website NGFstudy

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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

Volunteer Opportunities

Population Pharmacokinetics of Ciprofloxacin in Dogs

• Description: Population PK studies use sparse sampling points from large set of subjects in order to create more robust estimates of PK parameters for that population of animals.  An additional advantage is that co-variates, such as age, gender, and breed can also be evaluated for their influences on these PK parameters.  The PK of ciprofloxacin has been reported by this PI in healthy dogs, but not in a large population of dogs with clinical infection.  Ciprofloxacin is one of the most commonly prescribed human generic antibiotics for dogs and there is evidence that oral absorption is variable, or inadequate, which could increase risk of resistance. We hypothesize that there is a difference in the PK among certain dogs which may put them at risk of inadequate antimicrobial resistance. This project will use a population approach to determine the PK of orally administered ciprofloxacin in dogs receiving this drug for therapeutic purposes.  The study seeks to enroll 50-100 dogs. Whole blood samples will be obtained from enrolled dogs at pre-determined time points and analyzed by HPLC in the Clinical Pharmacology laboratory.  A total of 3 to 4 blood samples per animal will be collected over a 6-12 hour period. 
• Eligibility: Dogs must be receiving oral ciprofloxacin for at least 24 hours prior to participation. Dogs with intestinal or known/suspected bleeding disorders will be excluded.
• Financial incentive: All hospital charges pertaining to the study will be covered, and participants will also receive a hospital credit of $50 upon completion of the study.
• Who to contact: Clinical Studies Core (email: ccmtr_csc@ncsu.edu) or call 919-513-6384 for more information.

Occurrence of Salmonella in Dogs and Cats

• Description: In recent years, a number of human Salmonella infections have been traced to contamination of pet treats and pet foods.  In an effort to characterize the extent of pet infections and the potential impact on public health, researchers at NC State University College of Veterinary Medicine are participating in a national study investigating the occurrence of Salmonella infections in pet dogs and cats. We are collecting fecal samples from pet dogs and cats for Salmonella testing.  The data gathered in this study will be collectively analyzed to determine the national prevalence of Salmonella in pet dogs and cats, and also identify potential risk factors of infection among such things as diet, medical history, and home environment.
• Eligibility: All pet dogs and cats are eligible for participation. Only one sample per household may participate.
• Financial incentive: There is no financial incentive for this study, however each participant receives a Salmonella fecal culture at no charge.
• Who to contact: Clinical Studies Core (email: ccmtr_csc@ncsu.edu) or call 919-513-6384 for more information.

 

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Page last updated May 13, 2013