OBTAINING CLINICAL SAMPLES OF CANINE MELANOMA FOR DEVELOPMENT OF MOUSE XENOGRAFTS
Principal Investigator
Description
Melanomas in both humans and dogs are a common and highly aggressive cancer. Similarly, in both dogs and people, these cancers are genetically complex and can occur with or without an association with ultraviolet light. These cancers, irrespective of their genetic origin, are aggressive, frequently metastasize, and there are limited effective treatments for advanced cancers. Therefore, there is a critical need to identify novel targets for anti-melanoma therapy in both humans and dogs. If successful, this study data will lay the foundation for development of novel therapeutics to treat melanomas in both dogs and people and to advance this new and exciting field of cancer therapy that targets oncogenic IncRNAs.
Enrollment Start
08/01/2017
Enrollment Finish
08/01/2018
Eligibility
– Must have oral or cutaneous melanoma
– Have tumor large enough to obtain two 3mm punch biopsies
– Are scheduled to undergo surgical procedure for tumor biopsy or tumor removal
OR
– Are scheduled to be euthanized due to presence of melanoma
Financial Incentive
Owner will receive monetary incentive of $200 for study participation.
Contact
Clinical Studies Core: 919-515-2633 OR cvmclinicalstudies@ncsu.edu
AN ALTERNATIVE TO LONG-LASTING ELIMINATION DIET FOR THE DIAGNOSIS OF FOOD ALLERGY IN DOGS WITH ATOPIC DERMATITIS
Principal Investigator
Description
Food allergies are relatively frequent in dogs. The diagnosis of food allergy is currently based on a long-lasting elimination diet (ED) trial that may last up to 12 weeks. Such a tedious and long-lasting process is susceptible to complications that may result in a failure of obtaining the correct diagnosis. The purpose of this study is to demonstrate that the duration of the elimination diet trial for diagnosis of food allergy can be shorter than the traditional 8-12 weeks when a short course of steroids is used to deactivate the ongoing allergic immune response. As well as to assess the sensitivity and specificity of two different serological tests and of a prick test for diagnosis of a food allergy.
Testing Requirements
Collection of blood for chemistry panel and serum testing, prick test of the skin with common food allergens
Additional Notes
Royal Canin
Enrollment Start
04/01/2017
Enrollment Finish
02/28/2018
Eligibility
Your dog may qualify for this study if: – his/her atopic dermatitis is nonseasonal (no history of seasonal exacerbations) – his/her atopic dermatitis is at least of a moderate severity based on the dermatologist’s assessment using standardized lesion and pruritus scoring systems – at least 50% of the dog’s diet is fed in a form of kibbles (dry food) – no recent administration of oral glucocorticoids (2 weeks), topical glucocorticoids (2 weeks), antihistamines (1 week) – no superficial or deep pyoderma has been diagnosed today
Financial Incentive
No charge to the owner for visit and diagnostic fees, flea preventative for duration of the study, prick test for food allergens, blood collection and IgE serlogoy for common food allergens, large bag of a diagnostic diet, course of prednisone/lone
Contact
Petra Bizikova: pbiziko@ncsu.edu
CANCER ANOREXIA CACHEXIA SYNDROME (CACS) AND ASSOCIATED BIOMARKERS IN DOGS WITH LYMPHOMA
Principal Investigator
Description
NC State University College of Veterinary Medicine is looking for dogs with lymphoma to determine if Cancer Anorexia Cachexia Syndrome (CACS), a common problem for human cancer patients, also occurs in dogs. Developing this new understanding could potentially help us improve affected dog’s quality of life and ultimately survival.
Testing Requirements
One time blood collection at the NC State CVM
Enrollment Start
07/25/2017
Enrollment Finish
07/01/2018
Eligibility
Lymphoma group dogs must be newly diagnoses lymphoma with no prior treatment, can not have any concurrent diseases, and must have a completed physical examination and complete blood count and chemistry panel. Control group dogs must be healthy with no concurrent diseases, must not be on any medication other than preventative medications, and must have had a complete physical examination within the past year.
Financial Incentive
Immunophenotyping of your dog’s lymphoma via flow cytometry
Contact
Dr. Julie Allen : 919-515-2633 OR cvmclinicalstudies@ncsu.edu
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INVESTIGATING CANINE LNCRNA HOTAIR AS A BIOMARKER AND NOVEL THERAPEUTIC TARGET FOR CANINE DIFFUSE LARGE B CELL LYMPHOMA
Principal Investigator
Description
NC State University College of Veterinary Medicine is looking for dogs to participate in a study investigating canine IncRNA as a biomarker and novel therapeutic target against canine diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. This study aims to develop non-invasive screening methods to diagnose this aggressive cancer in its early stages as well as to identify novel therapies to treat this cancer. A successful study will open new lines of research improving the detection and treatment of a common and devastating cancer of dogs.
Testing Requirements
A one-time blood sample collection at NC State University College of Veterinary Medicine.
Enrollment Start
01/01/2017
Enrollment Finish
01/01/2018
Eligibility
Control Group Dogs: Must be normal healthy dogs with no active internal diseases or history of cancer.
Clinical dogs with lymphoma: Dogs with any type of lymphoma (B-cell is ideal) and be active disease before treatment has been started or a disease that is no longer in remission.
Contact
Brianna Johnson: cvmclinicalstudies@ncsu.edu
ACTIVITY MONITORS IN DOGS WITH OSTEOARTHRITIS
Principal Investigator
Description
NC State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Comparative Pain Research Program is looking for dogs to participate in a study of evaluation of activity monitors (like the FitBit for human) for dogs with pain associated with osteoarthritis
Testing Requirements
– The total duration of participation will be 16 days
– You must be able to visit the NC State Veterinary Hospital 3 times with your dog
– You must have Wifi-internet access at home (router/modem)
– Your dog must not leave the range of the ‘Gateway’ (approximately 300 yards) longer than 12-15 hours per day.
Enrollment Start
12/01/2017
Enrollment Finish
03/30/2018
Eligibility
– Dog must be ≥ 1 year, Weigh ≥ 20 lbs
– Must have signs of OA such as slowing down or lameness during the last 3 months
– Have radiographic signs of osteoarthritis
– Have NO history of neurologic diseases
– NOT currently on any pain medication
– Joint supplements are allowed if initiated ≥ 30 days before screening
Financial Incentive
– All free of charge for participants
– Screening by veterinarian to include physical, orthopedic and neurologic examinations
– Radiographs, complete blood work, urinalysis, ECG-Holter monitor
Contact
Beatriz Belda: bbeldal@ncsu.edu
Jonathan Hash: jahash@ncsu.edu
MITRAL VALVE DISEASE IN SMALL BREED DOGS
Principal Investigator
Description
Mitral valve degeneration is the most common cause of heart disease in the dog. It is particularly common in small breed dogs including Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Yorkshire Terriers, Miniature Poodles, Dachshunds and small mixed breed dogs. Although some dogs live comfortably with the disease, many affected dogs die of congestive heart failure.
Mitral valve degeneration is known to be an inherited disease, at least in some breeds, although the causative mutation(s) have not been identified. In this study we hope to identify genetic variants that lead to the development of mitral valve disease in the dog.
Testing Requirements
Dogs can come to NCSU for a diagnosis and collection of a blood sample.
Dogs that have been previously diagnosed with mitral valve heart disease may just submit a blood sample for participation
Additional Notes
This study is funded by the Morris Animal Foundation
Enrollment Start
03/17/2017
Enrollment Finish
12/31/2019
Eligibility
Small breed older dogs with a presumed or confirmed diagnosis of mitral valve endocardiosis (degenerative valve disease).
Financial Incentive
The cost of the examination and echocardiogram will be covered by the funding agency, Morris Animal Foundation.
Contact
Kate Meurs: Kate_meurs@ncsu.edu
Julia Condit: jgcondit@ncsu.edu
FAMILIAL ARRYTHMIAS IN RHODESIAN RIDGEBACKS
Principal Investigator
Description
Rhodesian Ridgebacks suffer from an inherited electrical issue with their heart. It appears to develop between 4 and 36 months. Some dogs do die of the disease, but others outgrow it. We are now studying the disease to determine at what age they are at the highest risk of developing an arrhythmia.
We are looking for Rhodesian Ridgebacks between 4 and 6 months of age. Participating dogs will get a free genetic test. If they test positive, we will provide a heart monitor that the dog can wear at home for 24 hours to determine if they have the electrical disturbance. We would like to repeat the monitoring every 2 months until they reach 24 months of age
Testing Requirements
Dogs must be between 4 and 6 months of age.
Dogs will be tested for the genetic mutation by sending the owners a buccal swab to collect DNA from their mouth
Owners must be willing to monitor their dog every 2 months until they are 24 months of age. This will be done free of charge and the monitors will be sent to you. Dogs do not need to come to NCSU
Enrollment Start
03/17/2017
Enrollment Finish
12/31/2018
Eligibility
Rhodesian Ridgebacks between 4 and 6 months of age
Financial Incentive
All genetic and medical testing will be covered by the study. There is no cost for participation
Contact
Kate Meurs: kate_meurs@ncsu.edu
CLINICAL TRIALS FOR DOGS AND CATS WITH URINARY DISEASE
Description
Does your DOG or CAT have a urinary tract infection?
We need participants with an active urinary tract infection to participate in a study evaluating novel kidney biomarkers. Cats or dogs with a positive urine culture will be evaluated and receive comprehensive blood work and urinalysis free of charge at monthly intervals for 3 months.
Testing Requirements
Does your DOG have proteinuria?
We need dogs with kidney disease that have persistent proteinuria (UPC >1.0) that is being managed with an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEi) and/or and angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB). Dogs already receiving ACEi’s or ARB’s are also eligible. Participants will be monitored for 6 months. and will receive physical exams and diagnostics free of charge. The purpose is to evaluate these dogs for aldosterone escape.
Is your DOG incontinent?
We need spayed female dogs that have been diagnosed with urethral sphincter mechanism incompetence and have failed standard therapy (i.e., Proin, DES). Eligible participants will have autologous progenitor muscle cells injected surgically in an attempt to restore the urethral sphincter function. Dogs with anatomical abnormalities that cause incontinence are not eligible. Enrolled participants will be monitored for 2 years and receive all study procedures free of charge.
Does your CAT have Chronic Kidney Disease?
We need cats 8 years or older with chronic kidney disease to participate in a research study evaluating the prevalence of gastric acidity. Your cat will be administered orally (like a pill) a pH capsule, that will provide continuous pH measurements for 48 hours, and eventually be excreted in the feces. A receiver device kept close to the cat will record the measurements. Cats will receive a physical evaluation and comprehensive blood work and urinalysis free of charge for their participation. Cats that have other concurrent diseases and or that are being given an acid suppressant medication or an intestinal phosphorus binder (within 7 days of enrollment) are ineligible for the study.
Enrollment Start
01/10/2017
Enrollment Finish
12/31/2017
Contact
Please contact Tonya Harris : 919.513.6206 OR tonya_harris@ncsu.edu
BOXER CARDIOMYOPATHY AND A LINK TO THYROID HORMONE
Principal Investigator
Description
Heart disease in the Boxer is most commonly a disease of the heart muscle that leads to electrical disturbances. The disease is inherited but some dogs are more severely affected than others. It is possible that changes in thyroid level may impact if a dog will have a mild or severe form of the disease. Understanding the role of thyroid in the severity of disease will greatly improve the ability to manage this common and sometimes fatal heart disease.
Testing Requirements
Owners will be asked to bring their Boxer dogs that are believed to have heart disease in for genetic test, thyroid level, TSH test, an echocardiogram and 24 hour Holter monitor to determine the level of disease.
Additional Notes
This study is funded by the American Kennel Club Canine Health Foundation
Enrollment Start
01/01/2016
Enrollment Finish (Closed)
07/31/2017
Eligibility
Adult boxer dogs with a history of heart disease. Heart disease symptoms might include periods of collapse, evidence of abnormal heart beats on an ECG or Holter, or evidence of heart failure.
Exclusions
Boxers with other significant systemic health problems (cancer).
Financial Incentive
All aspects of this study are paid for by a grant from the American Kennel Club Canine Health Foundation. Any medications are not covered.
Contact
Please email Dr. Kate Meurs or Julia Condit : kate_meurs@ncsu.edu or jgcondit@ncsu.edu
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THE MICROBIOTA-GUT-BRAIN AXIS IN CANINE EPILEPSY:DETERMINING THE ROLE OF LACTOBACILLI (PILOT STUDY)
Principal Investigator
Description
The objectives of this pilot study are to determine differences in bacterial populations and quantify the Lactobacillus component of the feces of untreated epileptic and control dogs, and to determine the effect of antiepileptic medication on Lactobacillus growth rates. Molecular genetic and bacterial culture techniques will be used. This study will provide preliminary information on the role of gastrointestinal tract bacteria in canine epilepsy. This Information has the potential to further our understanding of epilepsy and drug resistance in dogs, and ultimately lead to more successful management of the disorder.
Testing Requirements
We are recruiting dogs that have been diagnosed with epilepsy but are not currently receiving anti-seizure medication, and that live in a household with another dog that is not epileptic. Owners of dogs enrolled in the study will be instructed to collect a fresh stool sample from their dogs to ship to the investigators. Owners will also be asked to complete a brief questionnaire related to their dog’s environment, diet and health.
Additional Notes
This study is funded by a grant from the the AKC-Canine Health Foundation.
Enrollment Start
01/01/2017
Enrollment Finish
01/27/2018
Financial Incentive
Free fecal exam, all study results provided to owners and family veterinarians
Contact
Julie Nettifee : 919-513-6812 OR janettif@ncsu.edu
PHASE II STUDY: IMMUNOLIGHT THERAPY FOR CANINE CANCER
Principal Investigator
Description
Open-label, phase-2 trial of Immunolight Therapy for dogs with lymphoma or solid tumors (any externally palpable tumor, including mast cell tumors)
Additional Notes
After a successful phase I safety study, the goal of this new research project is to continue studying and refining Immunolight Therapy, an innovative approach to cancer treatment. We work with pet owners and primary care veterinarians to help determine eligibility, and to advise on any testing that may be needed before coming to NC State. The study is being conducted by doctors in the Radiation Oncology section. This study is financially supported by Immunolight, LLC., and NC State CVM.
Enrollment Start
10/01/2016
Enrollment Finish
10/01/2018
Eligibility
Enrolling dogs with Lymphoma: For dogs with newly diagnosed lymphoma, or if chemotherapy is no longer working.
Enrolling dogs with solid tumors: Oral Melanoma and other tumor types
– Dogs with tumors of the skin, toes, mouth, perineum, and other sites MAY be eligible.
– Most internal tumors will NOT be eligible.
– Dogs having received prior treatment for their tumor will be considered, if that prior treatment is no longer helping.
– Dogs may not receive other treatments for their tumor during the study.
Financial Incentive
Study Benefits Include:
– Variety of free initial staging tests
– Free follow-up visitz
– Compensation available (up to $500)
– Free Immunolight Therapy sessions
Contact
Corey Moore: 919-513-6453 OR cvmclinicalstudies@ncsu.edu
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AQUEOUS HUMOR CYTOKINES IN CANINE GLAUCOMA
Principal Investigator
Description
Glaucoma is a painful, blinding disease in dogs which currently does not have a cure. Very little is known regarding the cause of glaucoma and the factors that lead to progression of the disease. To evaluate the role that inflammatory mediators may play in the development of canine glaucoma, cytokine levels present in aqueous humor of dogs that will develop glaucoma will be compared to those of dogs that will not develop glaucoma.
Testing Requirements
A small sample of aqueous humor will be obtained from the eye that has not yet developed glaucoma under general anesthesia.
Enrollment Start
10/05/2015
Enrollment Finish
01/01/2018
Eligibility
Dogs that require enucleation under general anesthesia to remove an eye that is blind and painful due to glaucoma.
Exclusions
Cases in which the second eye (not yet affected with glaucoma) has been treated with topical steroids or topical prostaglandin analogues.
Financial Incentive
Patients that participate in the clinical study will receive 5 free follow up exams to monitor the onset of glaucoma in the eye.
Contact
Dr. Hans Westermeyer: hdwester@ncsu.edu
THE EFFECT OF ELECTROMAGNETIC FIELDS ON POST-OPERATIVE PAIN AND RECOVERY OF LOCOMOTION IN DOGS WITH ACUTE INTERVERTEBRAL DISC HERNIATIONS
Principal Investigator
Description
*** ENROLLMENT IS CLOSED *** This blinded, randomized trial compares the effect of electromagnetic field delivered by an Assisi coil on the post-operative recovery of 16 dogs that have suffered an acute intervertebral disc herniation. Dogs with severe disc herniations (see below for inclusion criteria) will be randomized to an active or placebo coil at time of diagnosis, and treatment initiated immediately. Dogs will undergo surgery as usual. Dogs will remain in hospital for 1 week post operatively and then return for rechecks at 2, 4 and 6 weeks. Their ability to walk and their pain level will be assessed.
Testing Requirements
The injury must be severe causing acute onset of paralysis with loss of pain perception (i.e. clinically complete lesions) for which they were treated surgically as per routine hospital protocol.
Enrollment Start
02/01/2016
Enrollment Finish (Closed)
10/31/2017
Eligibility
Pre-operative paraplegic dogs with no pain perception Non-ambulatory 2 days or less prior to admission Weight less than 20kg Age: 2-12 years old Prior treatment with steroids or other drugs will not exclude patients
Exclusions
Systemic co-morbidities that may affect their recovery Signs of ascending myelomalacia due to poor prognosis Aggressive dogs
Financial Incentive
The study will cover: $1,200 towards diagnosis and surgery as well as all hospitalization for the week after surgery. It will not cover the cost of complications in the post- operative period that are not related to use of the Assisi coil (e.g. UTI) Clients will be responsible for the initial evaluation and diagnosis if dogs does not fit in criteria.
Contact
Dr. Natalia Zidan: 919-513-6692
THE EFFECT OF POST-OPERATIVE REHABILITATION ON RECOVERY FROM ACUTE THORACOLUMBAR INTERVERTEBRAL DISC HERNIATIONS
Principal Investigator
Description
*** ENROLLMENT IS CLOSED *** Thoracolumbar intervertebral disc herniations are a common cause of paralysis in dogs. Standard treatment of non-ambulatory animals is surgical decompression of the spinal cord followed by post-operative care that commonly relies on confinement for 2 – 4 weeks to prevent re-injury. There is a body of research that suggests early rehabilitation is beneficial following spinal cord injury. The purpose of this study is to establish whether early post-operative rehabilitation increases the speed and level of recovery without causing adverse events. This is a randomized, controlled, blinded, prospective clinical trial. Dogs will be randomized to either an intensive or a conservative rehabilitation program (such as is currently performed by owners at home using passive range of motion exercises, limited sling walking and confinement). Dogs from both groups will be hospitalized for 14 days post-operatively to receive their rehabilitation therapy. Neurological examinations will be performed at time of presentation and daily for the first 14 days. Dogs will be videotaped walking on a treadmill and on a flat non-slip surface to score gait. This will be performed on days 1, 3, 7 and 14 and repeated 4 weeks later to determine final outcome.
Enrollment Start
02/25/2016
Enrollment Finish (Closed)
10/31/2017
Eligibility
Pre-operative neurologic status of non-ambulatory paraparesis (defined as fewer than 2 consecutive weight bearing steps when walking on grass) or paraplegic dogs with pain perception Non-ambulatory 3 days or less prior to admission Weight less than 20kg Age between 2-12 years old Prior treatment with steroids or other drugs will not exclude patients
Exclusions
Systemic co-morbidities that may affect their recovery Significant orthopedic challenges that would impact walking Aggressive dogs
Financial Incentive
Clients will be responsible for the initial evaluation, diagnosis, and surgery. The study will cover the cost of 2 weeks of hospitalization, rehabilitation and the recheck visit.
PREDICTORS OF RESPONSE TO POTASSIUM CHANNEL BLOCKADE IN CHRONICALLY PARALYZED DOGS
Principal Investigator
Description
*** ENROLLMENT IS CLOSED *** In this study, we are investigating why some dogs with chronic spinal cord injuries respond to medication to improve walking ability while others do not. If you are interested in more information and/or think you have a dog that may qualify, continue reading below.
Acute spinal cord injuries are a common problem in dogs, and some dogs fail to recover and are left permanently paralyzed and incontinent. In prior clinical trials, we have shown that chronically paralyzed dogs have extremely variable responses to the potassium channel-blocking drug, 4-aminopyridine (4-AP). Some treated dogs improve to the point of walking while others show no response despite having suffered from very similar initial injuries. The aim of this trial is to identify the factors that predict response to this therapy in dogs with incomplete recovery following acute spinal cord injuries allowing optimization of individual therapy regimens.
Testing Requirements
Procedures: We will perform a neurologic examination, gait evaluation, sensory threshold testing, electrodiagnostic testing and MRI, both before and after treatment with 4-AP (except for MRI which is only performed once). Study duration is 2 days. On day 1, your dog will be admitted to the hospital for baseline evaluation of the above procedures including electrophysiologic assessment (under sedation) and MRI (under general anesthesia). The following day, your dog will receive 4-AP orally after which the same neurologic and electrophysiologic assessments will be repeated.
Enrollment Start
02/03/2015
Enrollment Finish (Closed)
10/31/2017
Eligibility
-Dogs with a history of severe thoracolumbar spinal cord injury at least 3 months prior followed by an incomplete recovery. The injury must be severe enough to cause persistent loss of pain perception in the hind feet.
Exclusions
Dogs with seizure disorders will be excluded because 4-AP can exacerbate seizures.
Financial Incentive
NCSU will cover costs of hospitalization, all procedures and medication administered during the study.
Contact
Canine Spinal Cord Injury Program: 919-513-7235 OR ncsusci@gmail.com
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GENETIC STUDY ON CAVALIER KING CHARLES SPANIELS WITH AND WITHOUT CHIARI-LIKE MALFORMATION AND SYRINGOMYELIA
Principal Investigator
Description
Chiari-like malformations (CM) are developmental abnormalities of the skull that result in compression of the cerebellum and brainstem. The result of this crowding of the brain within the skull is abnormal accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid in the spinal cord, syringomyelia (SM), which results in chronic pain. This condition is extremely common in the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel breed and many dogs suffer from this pain syndrome. We aim to perform genetic analysis on affected and unaffected dogs with the intent to develop genetic tests that will aid breeders in breeding away from the problem.
Testing Requirements
Owners will be asked to submit digital MR images and DNA sample from their dogs and to complete a health questionnaire. Ideally MRIs will have been performed at 2.5 years of age or older, but we will accept studies performed at a younger age. We will be able to schedule MRIs at a reduced cost at NC State.
Additional Notes
Participants in this study are assured of confidentiality. Information on individual participants is only shared within the research group and with the dog’s owner. On entry into the study, each dog is assigned an ID number and is identified by this number on any data spreadsheet. This ensures that no one can look at a results spreadsheet and link the results to an individual dog’s name. MRIs can be labeled in a number of ways depending on client preference. Typically we would label with the study ID, but this could be problematic for owners/breeders who need these MRIs for screening purposes. Participants will be asked whether they would like the MRI to be labeled with the dog’s name, AKC registration number or study ID on entry into the study. Full details available at: http://www.ncstatevets.org/kingcharlesspanielneurostudy/
This article has been originally published in North Carolina State.