UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine
VETERINARY CENTER FOR CLINICAL TRIALS
Clinical Trials Report
June 2017
FEATURED ONGOING CLINICAL TRIALS
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 Cleft Palate and/or Lip in Dogs

Cleft lip and/or cleft palate are developmental defects that result in the failure of the roof of the mouth to properly form. The aim of this study is to identify the genes responsible for these birth defects and prevent them in future litters.  

Evaluating a Treatment for Fungal Disease in Cats

Voriconazole, a broad spectrum anti-fungal, is the treatment of choice for systemic aspergillosis in people. Drug treatment options in cats are limited because of little information of effect of anti-fungal medications on cats. The purpose of this study is to examine the efficacy of voriconazole against serious systemic fungal diseases like aspergillosis, cryptococcosis, sporotrichosis, and histopalsmosis.  
 
Identifying the Genetics Behind Hypertrophic Osteodystrophy in Dogs

The purpose of this study is to identify the molecular basis for the bone disease, hypertrophic osteodystrophy.

Examining a Better Diagnostic Technique for Lameness in Horses

Positron Emission Tomography (PET) allows detection of areas of active bone remodeling and is similar to a classic "bone scan" in that this imaging modality is performed with a gamma-camera (scintigraphy), but has the ability to detect smaller injuries and improve the localization of lesions. Our research studies have demonstrated that PET can identify lesions that may be missed with scintigraphy, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT). The purpose of this study is to assess PET imaging as a diagnostic imaging modality in horses and confirm the benefits of the technique.  
Understanding the Genetics Behind Ventricular Septal Defects in Arabian Horses

Ventricular Septal Defects (VSDs) are the most common congenital heart defects in horses and 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 a  New Addition to Treatment for Osteosarcoma in Dogs

Standard therapy for dogs diagnosed with osteosarcoma has long been amputation of the affected limb followed by chemotherapy to prevent the spread of cancer. Rapamycin is a drug that potentially can inhibit the mTOR pathway. The purpose of this study is to determine if adding Rapamycin into the treatment protocol for dogs with osteosarcoma will be safe and improve efficacy of current standard therapies for osteosarcoma in dogs.


Identifying the Genetics Behind Aspergillus spp. Infections in German Shepherds, Rhodesian Ridgebacks and Hungarian Vizslas

Systemic fungal infections such as aspergillosis are rare in animals with a competent immune system; however, certain dog breeds are reported to have a higher risk of this uncommon disease. We propose to use genome-wide association analysis to evaluate the differences in the genetic material of German Shepherds, Rhodesian Ridgebacks and Hungarian Vizslas infected with  Aspergillus spp .
Using a Combination of Therapies to Treat Nasal Cancer in Dogs

The purpose of this study is to prospectively evaluate the response of nasal cancer to a combination of therapies (chemotherapy and radiation therapy) in dogs.  

Understanding the Genetics Behind Limbal Squamous Cell Carcinoma in Haflinger Horses

Limbal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC)  is one of the most common forms of cancer to affect the eye and affects Haflingers more than other breeds.  The objective of this study is to determine the incidence of LSCC in the breed, understand the mode of inheritance if a single gene is involved, and identify candidate genes for further investigation.

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.

Examining a New Surgical Treatment for Dogs with Hiatal Hernias / Brachycephalic Obstructor Syndrome

Brachycephalic dogs have a tendency to develop hiatal herniation (HH) with greater frequency than non-brachycephalic dogs. Dogs with relative obstruction of the upper airways may generate a decreased pressure in their chest during inspiration that results in the upper part of the stomach being sucked into the chest. We hypothesize that, if the upper airway obstruction in these dogs can be alleviated, improvement in their respiratory compromise might be seen as well as a reduction in the severity of their HH.

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  
  • Chronic Progressive Lymphedema in Friesian Horses
  • Use of Tanovea-CA1 in Dogs with Lymphoma, Multiple Myeloma or Lymphoid Leukemia
  • 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
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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