UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine
VETERINARY CENTER FOR CLINICAL TRIALS
Clinical Trials Report
October 2016
NEW CLINICAL TRIALS
Assessing a New Insulin Formulation for Diabetes Mellitus in Cats

Feline diabetes is a metabolic disease that causes high levels of sugar in the bloodstream. The purpose of this study is to assess the effectiveness of a new, once-per-day insulin for feline diabetes.

Using a New Technique to Shrink Liver Tumors in Dogs

When liver tumors in dogs cannot be removed with surgery, treatment options are limited or non-existent. In humans, one of the standard treatments for those cases is transarterial embolization (TAE), which eliminates the blood supply of the tumor and may decrease tumor size. Therefore, the objectives of this study are to 1) describe the procedure of TAE in a group of dogs with naturally-occurring liver cancer, and 2) evaluate the effect that liver TAE has on clinical signs and the size of the tumor.

Investigating an Oral Nutraceutical Treatment for Cystine Bladder Stones in Dogs

Cystine bladder stones are common in both dogs and humans. This disease occurs due to a genetic predisposition, which occurs in many breeds of dogs. Therapeutic preventive strategies are limited.   In a collaborative effort between the University of California San Francisco and The Buck Institute, the aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of an oral nutraceutical on cystine solubility in the urine.

Understanding How Cats with Small Cell Lymphoma Process an Oral Chemotherapy Drug
 
Despite the wide use of chlorambucil in cats, the pharmacokinetic parameters have not been studied in cats. Therefore, the purpose of the study is to comprehend the pharmacokinetics of chlorambucil so we can understand why some cats experience side effects with chlorambucil therapy and determine if variability in the metabolism of chlorambucil contributes to treatment failure. 

Using a New Device to Treat Urinary Incontinence in Dogs

The purpose of this study is to test a new device, which uses heat to alter the structure of collagen in the wall of the urethra and thereby strengthen the wall and decrease leakage, to treat urinary incontinence in female dogs.

Finding the Best Technique to Identify Metastasis in Dogs with Oral Melanoma

The purpose of this study is to compare lymph node palpation to the appearance of the local lymph nodes on CT scan and a combined PET/CT scan to histopathologic results in an effort to determine which method may be the most reliable for identification of metastatic lymph nodes.

FEATURED ONGOING CLINICAL TRIALS
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.  
Reducing the Risk of Ventricular Arrhythmias in Dogs During Chemotherapy

Although effective, one of the reported side effects of doxorubicin is the liberation of histamine, which can cause ventricular arrhythmias. The concurrent use of anti-histamine agents like diphenhydramine with doxorubicin therapy could possibly reduce these abnormal beats. Therefore, the aim of this study is to see if use of diphenhydramine can reduce the risk of arrhythmias sometimes associated with the administration of chemotherapy.

Understanding the Genetics Behind Dry Eye Syndrome in West Highland White Terriers

Keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS) or dry eye is a devastating disease that causes ocular pain and potentially blindness. It is seen more frequently in West Highland White Terriers in comparison to many other breeds. We are interested identifying the genetic components of this disease as well as characterizing this disease better with examination and testing of the tear film and ocular surface and in select patients using advanced imaging techniques.

Evaluating Tooth Vitality in the Discolored Teeth of Dogs

To date, we relied on clinical assessment and dental radiographs of discolored teeth to decide whether or not those teeth require treatment. Both modalities have limitations. With the use of a newly developed diagnostic tool called the TOTEM device, we will hopefully be able to assess tooth vitality much more accurately via tooth temperature. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to evaluate the clinical application of the TOTEM device to assess tooth vitality.

Evaluating a Novel Formulation of Chemotherapy for Dogs with Lymphoma

Doxorubicin can be loaded into nanoparticles, such as liposomes and micelles, which may allow for better penetration of the drug into the tumor, decrease tumor resistance to doxorubicin and decrease the frequency and severity of side effects of doxorubicin. We are evaluating the dose that can be administered and the safety of the micelle-encapsulated formulation of doxorubicin when given to dogs with lymphoma.
TRIAL UPDATES
Clinical Trials that are "On Hold" 
  • Laser Ablation for Treatment of Ectopic Ureters in Dogs
  • Stem Cell Therapy for Dogs with Acute Severe Spinal Cord Injury
  • Plasmid IL-12 + Electroporation Treatment for Soft Tissue Sarcoma in Dogs
  • Biomarkers of B-cell Lymphoma in Dogs
NOTE: Trials that are "On Hold" are not accepting new patients and we do not know when these trials will open back up.  If/when these trials do accept new patients again, we will notify you via this report and post information about the study (including contact information) on the VCCT website.

 
Clinical Trials that are Recently Completed or Finished Enrollment
  • Effects of Environmental Enrichment on Body Weight of Obese Cats
  • Assessing Upper Airway Syndrome in Norwich Terriers
  • Assessing Two Medications for Osteoarthritis in Dogs
  • Evaluating a Treatment for Feline Infectious Peritonitis
  • Radioimmunotherapy for Metastatic Sarcomas and Melanomas in Dogs
THANK YOU!
Thank you for wanting to be a part of our clinical trials program.  We greatly appreciate your desire to participate in and inform others about our trials, and/or refer cases to the Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital (VMTH).  The VCCT and our clinical trials wouldn't be here without you!  
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