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, or contact Luann-Mack Drinkard (Clinical Research Technician) at lmackdr@vt.edu or by phone at (540) 231-4621, or 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.
If you are a veterinarian wishing to refer a dog for possible enrollment into the study, please read and complete the CCGT Referral Form.
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. Alexander Gallagher at gallagae@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.
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 Luann Mack-Drinkard (Clinical Research Technician) at lmackdr@vt.edu or by phone at 540-231-4621.
View or download the study information sheet.
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