UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine
VETERINARY CENTER FOR CLINICAL TRIALS
Clinical Trials Report
January 2017
NEW CLINICAL TRIALS
Understanding the Genetics of Primary Glaucoma in American Cocker Spaniels

Glaucoma is a disease that is a common cause of blindness worldwide in human and canine patients. We are interested in characterizing this disease better with hopes of identifying protein biomarkers or the genetic components of this disease.

Understanding Intervertebral Disc Herniation in Dachshunds

If surgery to remove disc material compressing the spinal cord is performed promptly, approximately half of dogs that have lost pain sensation will recover the ability to walk on their own; however, we do not have a good means of predicting which dogs will improve following surgery, and how quickly or completely this will happen. The purpose of this study is to assess the utility of the biomarker, pNF-H, to predict return of function following surgery in dachshunds without pain sensation in their hind limbs due to disc herniation.

Understanding the Genetics Behind Atrial Fibrillation in Irish Wolfhounds

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is an arrhythmia in which the heart beats fast with no identifiable pattern of atrial activation. Although AF affects a wide variety of animals, it has a particularly high prevalence in Irish Wolfhounds suggesting a genetic predisposition. We are conducting a genetic investigation into the cause of AF in Irish Wolfhounds in order to improve our understanding of this disease and thus inform prevention and treatment practices.

Assessing a New Treatment for Dogs with Lymphoma, Leukemia and Multiple Myeloma

Recent studies in dogs with lymphoid cell neoplasia have demonstrated the safety and efficacy of Tanovea-CA1™ and have led to its conditional FDA approval. To build on these studies, further clinical evaluation of Tanovea-CA1™are needed. The purpose of this study is to expand on previous data documenting clinical benefit in dogs with lymphoid leukemia and multiple myeloma/plasma cell tumors.

FEATURED ONGOING CLINICAL TRIALS
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. Determination of the ideal dose to administer these cells is worth further investigation.
Understanding Corneal Endothelial Dystrophy in Boston Terriers, German Shorthaired Pointers and German Wirehaired Pointers

Corneal endothelial dystrophy (CED) is a devastating disease that is commonly seen in Boston Terriers, German Shorthaired Pointers and German Wirehaired Pointers, thereby suggesting a genetic component.  The purpose of this study is to identify the region of the dog genome associated with CED in these breeds with the ultimate goal of developing a genetic test for the disease. 
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.  

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. 

Treating and Identifying Oral Melanoma
(2 trials)

Trial #1 is assessing a new treatment to carry oxygen to the tumor to hopefully make it more responsive to treatment.

Trial #2 aims to determine whether lymph node palpation, CT scan, combined PET/CT scan are the most reliable methods for identifying metastatic lymph nodes.

  Printable Flyers ( #1, #2) |  Read more...
Assessing a New Technique to Treat Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunts in Dogs

The purpose of this project is to assess the response to treatment of a relatively new treatment option (coil embolization) for intrahepatic portosystemic shunts, which has shown tremendous potential.
Understanding Feline Upper Respiratory Tract Disease in Cats

The purpose of this study is to evaluate 1) the utility of quantitative PCR (qPCR) to identify the role of viruses and bacteria in cats diagnosed with feline upper respiratory tract disease and 2) the efficacy of famiclovir in combination with standard therapy with an antibiotic for treatment of this disease.    
TRIAL UPDATES
Clinical Trials that are "On Hold" 
  • Assessing a Potential Treatment for Mast Cell Tumors in Dogs
  • Evaluating a Stem Cell Therapy for Inflammatory Bowel Disease
  • 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
  • A Radiologic Percutaneous Gastropexy Technique in Dogs
  • Evaluating CT Pneumocolography as a Diagnostic Tool for Large Bowel Disease in Dogs
  • Looking at the Role of Genetics in Canine Pulmonary Hypertension and Response to Sildenafil
  • Assessing a Novel Non-Antibiotic Treatment for Recurrent Urinary Tract Infections in Dogs
  • Effects of Environmental Enrichment on Body Weight of Obese Cats
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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