Small Animal
Hospitals
VMRCVM
Clinical Trials
The VTH conducts investigative clinical trials to determine the
safety or effectiveness of a new method of diagnosis or modality of treatment for animal diseases. Some diseases occuring in
companion animals model diseases in humans. The results of our clinical trials may provide the new knowledge needed to advance
both animal and human health.
All clinical trials are reviewed and approved by the Veterinary Teaching Hospital Board of the Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine.
Information about our current clinical trials can be found in the summaries and study information sheets below.
Comparative Canine Glioma Trial (CCGT)
We are conducting an investigative trial studying specific protein abnormalities present in types of brain cancers called gliomas, and the effects of stereotactic radiosurgical treatment on the survival and quality of life of dogs with gliomas. Gliomas are aggressive and deadly brain cancers that affect dogs and humans. The proteins we are studying are not present in normal brain tissue, making them attractive targets for new anti-cancer treatment development. We are recruiting dogs with clinical signs of brain disease that are attributable to abnormalities on brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans consistent with gliomas.
Dogs meeting study inclusion criteria will receive stereotactic radiosurgical (gamma-knife) treatment, which is a type of radiation therapy, for their glioma and follow-up examinations free of charge. Enrollment into the study is contingent upon having a complete initial diagnostic evaluation, including brain MRI, compatible with the presence of a glioma. Costs of the initial diagnostic evaluation are assumed by the client.
Clinical signs of brain disease commonly include seizures, abnormal behaviors, unusual head or body postures, weakness of the limbs, loss of balance, and blindness.
For more information regarding the CCGT study, view the CCGT General Information Form (PDF), or contact the study co-director, Dr. John Rossmeisl at jrossmei@vt.edu.
If you are a dog owner desiring further information on how your pet may be qualified for this study, or to set up an appointment for a diagnostic evaluation, please read and complete the CCGT Owner Survey (PDF).
If you are a veterinarian wishing to refer a dog for possible enrollment into the study, please read and complete the CCGT Referral Form (PDF).
Study on Rehabilitation (Physical Therapy) of Dogs Following Surgery for Cranial Cruciate Ligament Rupture
Rupture of the cranial cruciate ligament (one of the knee ligaments) is one of the most common orthopedic conditions seen in dogs. Instability in the knee following cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) rupture leads to pain and discomfort and eventually arthritis. The tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO) and tibial tuberosity advancement (TTA) are surgical procedures that are commonly used in medium to large breed dogs with CCL rupture to stabilize the knee and allow them to return to function. We know that postoperative physical therapy is important for maximizing use of the operated limb, however there is limited objective data available, particularly for the TTA which is a relatively new procedure, that describe what type of rehabilitation protocols are most effective.
We have designed two different rehabilitation protocols for use on dogs following either TPLO or TTA surgery for stabilization of the cranial cruciate ligament deficient stifle. The aim of our study therefore is to determine which of these protocols is better suited for each of these surgical procedures.
To be selected as a candidate for this study you must fulfill the following criteria:
- Your pet must be an adult dog weighing ≥ 25 kg that will be coming to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital (VTH) for surgery for CCL rupture
- Dog may be male or female
- Dog may be intact or neutered
- The diagnosis of CCL rupture must be confirmed at the VTH
- Your pet must not have any other severe orthopedic disease and must be in good general health (pet owners will need to fill out screening health questionnaires to determine if their pet can be included in the study)
- Your pet must not have neurologic disease
- Pet owner must be committed to coming in to the VTH twice a week for in-hospital rehabilitation over eight (8) consecutive weeks and return for one more visit 16 weeks after the end of the rehabilitation period for a final reassessment
- Pet owner must be committed to performing daily at-home rehabilitation exercises
Pet owners who cannot or will not comply with the rehabilitation protocol will be discontinued from the study. The in-hospital physical therapy requires a lot of hands-on work with your pet therefore aggressive dogs cannot be included in the study.
Expenses covered by the study are:
- Two sets of recheck radiographs (2 visits)
- Recheck visit hospital fees (3 visits)
- Rehabilitation sessions (16 sessions)
If you are a pet owner or a veterinarian with a client interested in participating in this study, please contact Dr. Tisha Harper by e-mail (tiharper@vt.edu) or by telephone at 540-231-4621.
Post Operative Pain Management in Dogs Following Hemilaminectomy Surgery
The Small Animal Surgery Department will be conducting a clinical trial to evaluate post operative pain management in dogs following hemilaminectomy surgery. The study entitled “Evaluation of epidural morphine and incisional bupivacaine for analgesia following hemilaminectomy in the dog” will be a prospective investigation involving 40 client owned animals that present to the VTH and are diagnosed with Type I Intervertebral Disk Disease. The diagnosis must be confirmed with a CT scan and treated surgically with a hemilaminectomy. Each patient will be randomly assigned to different treatment groups that will receive one of four analgesic protocols and will be assessed using subjective and objective pain scales for 48 hours following surgery. All patients in the study will receive adequate analgesia in the post-operative period. Exclusion criteria include fractious temperament, deep pain negative status at presentation, or progression to asensory status in the immediate post-operative period. All clients with pets that are entered into the study and follow it to completion will receive $150.00 off of their total bill for the hospitalization and surgery.
It is our intent with this investigation to determine the benefits of varying analgesic protocols following this surgical procedure. Patients may be admitted to the study on an emergency or appointment basis with the Surgery or Neurology service at the VTH.
For any additional information regarding this study please contact Dr. Farrah Horowitz, farrahbh@vt.edu.
Feline Hyperthyroid Study
We are currently conducting a clinical research trial to evaluate a medication called iopanoic acid for the treatment of feline hyperthyroidism. If you have a cat that has hyperthyroidism, or you think may have the disease (see symptoms below), and would be interested in participating in this study, please contact Dr. David Panciera at panciera@vt.edu. Cats that are currently receiving treatment may be eligible.
Signs of hyperthyroidism in cats may include increased appetite, hyperactivity, weight loss, vomiting, diarrhea or increased volume of feces, or poor haircoat.
View or download the study information sheet (PDF).
Vascular Complications of Diabetes in Dogs
We are monitoring diabetic dogs for evidence of high blood pressure, kidney disease and eye disease and attempting to correlate these problems to the duration of diabetes and adequacy of blood sugar control. We hope that the results of this study will help tailor the monitoring of diabetic dogs to ensure early diagnosis of these vascular complications of diabetes.
For further information on this study, to find out if your pet is qualified, or to set up an appointment for enrollment, please contact Dr. Ian Herring at iherring@vt.edu or by phone at 540-231-4621.
View or download the study information sheet (PDF).
Study on Catecholamine (Adrenaline) Production in Dogs
We are currently conducting a clinical trial to evaluate the effects of illness on catecholamine production and to evaluate urine and plasma catecholamine concentrations as a means of diagnosing dogs with pheochromocytomas. Canine volunteers for 3 study groups are being recruited:
- Healthy pet dogs older than 5 years of age.
- Dogs older than 5 years of age with severe illness that are being hospitalized in our ICU.
- Dogs with an adrenal mass diagnosed on ultrasound by a board-certified radiologist.
All dogs in the study will need to have had a CBC, chemistry, urinalysis, blood pressure, and abdominal ultrasound. The cost of any of these tests that would not otherwise be done as part of the diagnostic workup will be covered by the study. All dogs will have blood drawn and urine collected for catecholamine analysis. Dogs with an adrenal mass will also have an ACTH stimulation test performed, free of cost to the client.
We are hopeful that the information we acquire from this study will lead to the development of a non-invasive test to diagnose dogs with pheochromocytomas.
For further information regarding patient eligibility, please see the eligibility requirements sheet (PDF). If you have a pet or patient that qualifies, please contact Kristin Cameron at kcameron@vt.edu.
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