Canine Spinal Cord Injury Program
Mission Statement
“The Canine Spinal Cord Injury Program is dedicated to improving the outcome of acute and chronic spinal cord injuries in dogs.”
The spinal cord conveys information to and from the brain to produce movement, sensation, urination, and defecation. Spinal cord injuries are a common problem in dogs, accounting for approximately 2% of all cases that present to the veterinarian. They are most commonly caused by disc herniations, trauma, spinal stenosis and instability, and vascular (stroke like) events. Spinal cord tissue does not regenerate effectively and therefore the consequences of an injury can be devastating. Dogs can make an excellent recovery after injury if the damage to the spinal cord is partial (incomplete) because the surviving nerves are able to take over the function of the nerves that have been lost. However, the more severe the injury, the less effective the recovery, and complete injuries, that result in transection of the spinal cord, thus cutting off all communications between the spinal cord and the brain, result in permanent paralysis.
Research areas
The Canine Spinal Cord Injury Program is developing and testing methods of improving outcome from both incomplete and complete spinal cord injuries in dogs. Our efforts include limiting the extent of damage that occurs immediately after an injury using neuroprotective drugs, and restoring function to damaged nerves using potassium channel blockers. We are also investigating the reparative potential of autologous stem cells (cells derived from the patient), and developing new methods of quantifying recovery. Finally, we are constantly improving our post operative care of patients with regards to nutrition, pain control, management of the bladder, and physical rehabilitation.
Clinical trials
Methylprednisolone Sodium Succinate and Polyethylene Glycol in Canine Spinal Cord Injury. This is a multicenter trial for dogs that have suffered an acute spinal cord injury due to a disc herniation. Two different neuroprotective drugs are being compared with placebo in surgically treated dogs. To be included in the trial dogs must be paraplegic with no pain sensation in their hind feet, weigh less than 20kg, be aged between 2 and 10 years, and have suffered the injury in the last 24 hours. Sixteen centers across the US are involved in the trial. This trial is funded by Morris Animal Foundation. For more information...
Comparison of the effect of T-BOC, 4-AP and placebo on pelvic limb and bladder function in chronically paraparetic dogs – a blinded study. This trial evaluates two different potassium channel blockers in dogs that are chronically paralyzed due to an acute spinal cord injury. For inclusion in this trial, dogs must be unable to use their hind limbs due to a thoracolumbar spinal cord injury that occurred at least 6 months previously. This trial is funded by NeuroMetrix Inc. For more information...
Treatment of paraparesis in dogs using a novel derivative of 4-aminopyridine. This trial compares the effect of the t-butyl derivative of 4-AP and placebo on hind limb gait in chronically paraparetic dogs. Dogs entering this trial must have chronic neurologic deficits in their pelvic limbs as a result of an acute spinal cord injury at least 6 months previously. They may have some motor function in their hind limbs, but have an obviously abnormal hind limb gait. This trial is funded by Morris Animal Foundation and will start case recruitment in September 2009.
Research Team
Principal Investigator: Natasha Olby Vet MB, PhD, MRCVS, DACVIM (Neurology)
Natasha Olby obtained her veterinary degree from Cambridge University, UK in 1991, and went on to complete a PhD and post doctoral position studying transplantation and neuroprotection in spinal cord injury, also at Cambridge University. During this time she also received additional training as a surgeon. In 1996 she moved to NCSU College of Veterinary Medicine to complete a residency in neurology/neurosurgery, and stayed on as a faculty member. Her clinical and research interests focus on the mechanisms of and recovery from acute and chronic spinal cord injury.
Post Doctoral Fellow: Ji-Hey Lim, DVM, PhD
Ji-Hey Lim graduated from Seoul National University, South Korea with a veterinary degree in 2001. She then completed a surgical residency (orthopedic and neurosurgery) and a PhD on treatment of spinal cord injury with stem cells. She joined Dr Olby’s laboratory in 2007 and has worked extensively with canine stem cells and transplantation techniques.
Post Doctoral Fellow: Audrey Chanoit, DVM, MS
Audrey Chanoit completed her veterinary degree at the Veterinary School of Lyon, France in 1999. Then she completed a rotating internship and a 2 year surgical internship that included a master of science in microsurgery. She has been a staff clinician in a multi-referral private practice in Lyon. She joined Dr Olby’s laboratory in 2008 to work on coordinating clinical trials focused on spinal cord injury.