UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine
VETERINARY CENTER FOR CLINICAL TRIALS
Clinical Trials Report
August 2016
NEW CLINICAL TRIALS
Examining a Treatment for Oral Melanoma in Dogs

Oral melanoma can be resistant to radiation therapy because of low levels of oxygen in the tumors. Another reason is that low levels of oxygen leads to local immune suppression. We anticipate that the treatment will carry oxygen to the tumor and hopefully restore normal oxygen levels to the tumor and make it more responsive to treatment.

Assessing a Stem Cell Therapy for Chronic Gingivostomatitis in Cats that have NOT had Full Mouth Extractions

None of the current treatments for feline chronic gingivostomatitis (FCGS) are ideal, predictable or without possible complications. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to assess a stem cell therapy to treat cats that have been diagnosed chronic gingivostomatitis and have not received full mouth extractions.

Looking at a New Method to Identify Bacterial Infections in Male Dogs with Prostate Cancer

Male dogs and dogs with prostatic cancer are known to be less likely to have positive urine cultures than females with cancer in their bladder or urethra. The purpose of this study is to determine whether it is possible to obtain useful bacterial culture samples from prostates in dogs with prostate cancer and to determine whether results of these cultures correlate with urine cultures collected directly from the bladder.

Evaluating a New Drug Delivery System for Dogs with Brain Tumors

This clinical trial is being done to investigate whether small particles call nanoporphyrins can be used to better visualize tumors during surgery and potentially to see if they will be a useful method to deliver drugs into brain tumors for treatment.

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.
Optimizing the Identification of Tumor Spread to Lymph Nodes in Dogs with Oral Tumors and Mast Cell Tumors

The purpose of  both trials is to optimize a method of sentinel lymph node mapping for oral and mast cell tumors that can be accessible to a greater number of veterinary practitioners in an effort to improve the accuracy of cancer diagnoses and treatment recommendations as well as improve quality of life and length of time with us. 

FEATURED ONGOING CLINICAL TRIALS
Comparing Two Medications for Subaortic Stenosis*  and Pulmonic Stenosis in Dogs

Pulmonic stenosis (PS) and subaortic stenosis (SAS), the two most common congenital heart defects encountered in dogs, are characterized by a narrowing of the outlet of the right or left side of the heart, respectively. We are studying the effects of two commonly utilized medications - butorphanol and atenolol - on heart function and assessment of disease severity in dogs with SAS* and PS.

* The portion of the trial involving SAS is currently on hold.  Therefore, the trial will only be enrolling patients with PS until further notice. 

Looking at the Genetics of 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.

A Multi-Disciplinary, Minimally-Invasive Treatment for Nasolacrimal Apparatus Blockage in Dogs

The nasolacrimal apparatus (NLA) frequently becomes blocked and sometimes infected leading to discomfort, tear staining, eye discharge, skin inflammation, and a decreased quality of life. Using a team of specialists with expertise in Ophthalmology, Internal Medicine, Endoscopy, Diagnostic Imaging, and Interventional Radiology, we have utilized fluoroscopy to successfully treat NLA obstruction in dogs. The purpose of this study is to recruit and treat more cases and to evaluate more objective outcome measures.
Assessing a Preventative for Exercise-Induced Pulmonary Hemorrhage in Race 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.
Examining Semen Parameters to Predict Fertility in the Labrador Retriever

Sperm motility and number are the only parameters we currently have to measure sperm. These parameters do not have a strong correlation to subfertility in many males. We have the ability to measure more detailed aspects of sperm, including cell membrane and DNA integrity, as well as sperm cell metabolism. The objective of this study is to identify fertility parameters in canine semen which can be evaluated using fluorescent markers.

TRIAL UPDATES
Clinical Trial Update for
Feline Infectious Peritonitis
 
The first phase of the trial involving 15 cats with various forms of FIP is fully enrolled, so no more cats are being accepted for treatment at this time. Researchers will evaluate preliminary results and decide which forms of FIP responded best to treatment and the optimal dosage regimen. Once those determinations are made, the trial will re-open for another small group of cats that meet the new inclusion criteria.
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
  • Assessing Two Medications for Osteoarthritis in Dogs
  • Evaluating a Treatment for Feline Infectious Peritonitis
  • Radioimmunotherapy for Metastatic Sarcomas and Melanomas in Dogs
  • Effect of Sotalol on Heart Function and Rhythm in Dogs with Ventricular Arrhythmias
  • Subfertility in Older Maiden Mares
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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