UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine
VETERINARY CENTER FOR CLINICAL TRIALS
Clinical Trials Report
May 2017
NEW CLINICAL TRIALS
Assessing a New Therapy for Maintaining Remission of Diabetes Mellitus in Cats

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the benefit of Exenatide-ER for maintaining diabetic cats in remission (in an insulin-independent state).

FEATURED ONGOING CLINICAL TRIALS
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 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 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 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.  

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. 
Understanding the Genetics of Addison's Disease in Multiple Breeds (2 trials)

Trial #1 is  investigating a candidate causal mutation for the juvenile onset form of the disease within that same region specifically in Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers.

Trial #2 aims to evaluate the genes responsible in Bearded Collies, Great Danes, Leonbergers, Portuguese Water Dogs, Standard Poodles and West Highland White Terriers.

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...
Understanding the Genetics Behind Symmetrical Lupoid Onychodystrophy (SLO) in Bearded Collies

Symmetrical Lupoid Onychodystrophy (SLO) is a chronic autoimmune disorder that causes a loss of toenails in many breeds, including Bearded Collies. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the mode of inheritance and identify the genes responsible for SLO in Bearded Collies.

Assessing a New Treatment for Chylothorax in Dogs

The traditional combination of thoracic duct ligation and pericardectomy has been performed for many years. However, without good evidence of pericardial disease, the pericardectomy may not be necessary. This study aims to assess the effectiveness of doing a complete thoracic duct ligation alone in resolving chyle accumulation and provide a better understanding of the physiological response to thoracic duct ligation in dogs with idiopathic chylothorax.  

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.  

Assessing Minimally Invasive Tumor Ablation for a Variety of Tumors* in Cats and Dogs

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the outcome of treating veterinary patients with minimally invasive tumor ablation technologies including cryoablation and microwave ablation. 

* Solitary malignant soft tissue or bony mass that is deemed amenable to ablation. Tumor types that MAY be amenable to this treatment include lung tumors, kidney tumors, adrenal tumors, and bone tumors in certain locations. Determination of eligibility relates to the size of the lesion as well as proximity to/involvement of other important, nearby structures. Tumors that are superficial or that involve the gastrointestinal tract are not amenable to this treatment.

TRIAL UPDATES
Clinical Trials that are "On Hold" 
  • Assessing a New Therapy for Cats with Diabetes Mellitus
  • Evaluating a Novel Formulation of Chemotherapy for Dogs with Lymphoma
  • 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
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
  • Plasmid IL-12 + Electroporation Treatment for Soft Tissue Sarcoma in Dogs
  • Sentinel Lymph Node Mapping in Dogs with Mast Cell Tumors
  • Treating Foals with Neonatal Maladjustment Syndrome with the Madigan Assisted Squeeze Technique
  • Biomarkers of B-cell Lymphoma in Dogs
  • 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
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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