UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine
VETERINARY CENTER FOR CLINICAL TRIALS
Clinical Trials Report
- Equine Edition -
December 2016
ONGOING EQUINE CLINICAL TRIALS
Identifying the Genetics Behind Ventricular Septal Defects in Arabian Horses

Ventricular Septal Defects (VSDs) are the most common congenital heart defects in horses. They allow blood to shunt inappropriately from the left ventricle to the right ventricle via an opening in the ventricular septum. This blood recirculates through the lungs and left chambers, resulting in enlargement of these structures. Arabian horses are overrepresented in horses presenting for VSDs, and we are investigating the possibility of a genetic predisposition for this defect.


Assessing Viral Kinetics of Valacyclovir in Horses Diagnosed with Equine Multinodular Pulmonary Fibrosis 

There is growing evidence that Equine Multinodular Pulmonary Fibrosis (EMPF) is associated with equine herpesvirus-5 (EHV-5). The current gold standard for EMPF diagnosis is histopathological results coupled with positive EHV-5 by qPCR on pulmonary tissue. Valacyclovir is routinely used to treat horses with EMPF. The purpose of this study is to determine the effects of valacyclovir on EHV-5 kinetics in horses diagnosed with EMPF.

Understanding the Genetics Behind Equine Recurrent Uveitis in Appaloosa Horses

Equine recurrent uveitis (ERU) is the leading cause of blindness in horses. Appaloosa horses, known best for their white coat spotting patterns, are eight times more likely than any other breed to develop this disease and four times more likely to go blind, suggesting genetics plays a major contributing role. The objective of this study is to determine the genetic factors contributing to ERU in Appaloosa horses.
Assessing the Viral Kinetics of Valacyclovir as a Preventative to Exercise-Induced Pulmonary Hemorrhage in Horses

Exercised-Induced Pulmonary Hemorrhage in racehorses has the potential to impact in the short-term athletic performance and possibly long term racehorse health. The purpose of the study is to confirm that furosemide on race day at 4 hours is necessary to reduce EIPH and determine if the therapeutic levels of furosemide are maintained for as long as 24 hours post-administration to racehorses.  
 
Understanding the Genetics Behind Chronic Progressive Lymphedema in Friesian Horses

Chronic Progressive Lymphedema (CPL) is a debilitating disorder affecting the lymphatic system in the lower limbs of many draft horses. The higher rate of incidence within certain draft horse breeds (Shires, Clydesdales, Belgians) seem to indicate there is a possible genetic component to CPL. The purpose of this study is to identify the genetic component underlying CPL in Friesian horses.

Assessing Stem Cell Therapy for Tendon and Ligament Injuries, Laminitis, Tendonitis, Desmitis, and Intra-articular Lesions in Horses

The purpose of these studies is to assess stem cell therapy as a potential treatment for tendon and ligament injuries, tendonitis, desmitis, intra-articular lesions, and laminitis. The clinical use of stem cells is still in its early stages, and determination of the ideal dose to administer these cells is worth further investigation.
Understanding Genetics Behind Bilateral Corneal Stromal Loss in Friesian Horses

Bilateral corneal stromal loss (BCSL) is a potentially progressive ocular disease that can be associated with pain, vision loss and even loss of the eye. The objective of this study is to determine the role genetics plays in BCSL in Friesian horses. This study is designed to determine the incidence of BCSL in the breed, to determine the mode of inheritance if a single gene is involved, and identify candidate genes for further investigation.
Assessing Stem Cell Therapy for Treatment of Equine Recurrent Uveitis in Horses 

Equine recurrent uveitis (ERU) is caused by inflammation of the uveal tract of the eye and is the most common cause of blindness in horses. ERU often involves lifelong medical therapy or surgery, which holds the potential for a variety of potentially serious complications. Because fat-derived stem cells are known to regulate inflammation and facilitate tissue repair, we wish to investigate the effectiveness of a new stem cell therapy for ERU and to better understand how stem cells work to limit inflammation. This treatment has the potential for being relatively non-invasive and removing the need for lifelong treatment.
Identifying the Genetics Behind Squamous Cell Carcinoma in Haflinger Horses

Squamous cell carcinoma is one of the most common forms of cancer to affect the eye. This type of eye cancer affects Haflingers more than other breeds, so the objective of this study is to determine the role genetics plays in limbal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) in Haflinger horses. This study is designed to determine the incidence of LSCC in the breed, to determine the mode of inheritance if a single gene is involved, and identify candidate genes for further investigation.
Finding the Best Sample Collection Method for Horses with Infectious Keratitis

For horses suffering from infectious keratitis, we have applied proparacaine to the surface of the eye before any samples are taken to minimize discomfort. Recently, a concern has been raised that proparacaine may inhibit growth of infectious organisms in the laboratory. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to determine the best procedure to collect culture samples, thereby ensuring an appropriate diagnostic work up and treatment plan while minimizing discomfort.
Evaluating the "Madigan Foal Squeeze Method" for Foals with Neonatal Maladjustment Syndrome

Previous studies have shown foals with neonatal maladjustment syndrome (NMS) have persistence of high levels of neurosteroids similar to the in utero state.  When using the Madigan Foal Squeeze Method, veterinarians have observed significant improvement of foals with clinical signs of NMS without any adverse effects.  Therefore, the purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect of the squeeze procedure in a randomized trial.
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