UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine
VETERINARY CENTER FOR CLINICAL TRIALS
Clinical Trials Report
June 2018
NEW CLINICAL TRIALS
DENTISTRY AND ORAL SURGERY
Jaw Joint Pain - Evaluation of PET/CT as a Diagnostic Tool

Dogs presenting with the vague complaint of pain at the jaw joint region, for which an obvious cause is not observed, typically pose a diagnostic challenge because there are several disorders that can cause pain in that region. Therefore, it is necessary to find a diagnostic imaging modality that will better identify possible sources of pain. In this clinical trial, we aim to examine the yield of positron emission tomography (PET) combined with computed tomography (CT) as compared to conventional CT with and without contrast in the diagnosis of pain of unknown origin at the jaw joint region.
FEATURED ONGOING CLINICAL TRIALS
GENETICS
Ectopic Ureters - Identifying the Genetics in Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers, Newfoundlands, and Siberian Huskies

Sometimes when a puppy is developing during embryogenesis, the ureters do not connect properly into the bladder, leading to ectopic ureters.  We propose to identify the region of the dog genome associated with ectopic ureters.              

    Read more...
Ocular Squamous Cell Carcinoma -Understanding the Genetics in Haflinger, Beligan, Percheron, Appaloosa and Arabians Horses

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC)  is one of the most common forms of cancer to affect the eye and affects Haflingers, Belgians, Percherons, Appaloosas, and Arabians (among others).  The objective of this study is to determine the incidence of SCC in the listed breeds, understand the mode of inheritance if a single gene is involved, and identify candidate genes for further investigation.   

INTERNAL MEDICINE
Diabetes Mellitus - Assessing a New Therapy for Maintaining Remission 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).  
 

 
  
Urinary Incontinence - Using a New Device for Treatment in Dogs

Various surgical treatment options have been described for dogs that do not respond to medical management or experience adverse effects from medications; however, these procedures are invasive and are not always successful. Therefore, 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.   

OPHTHALMOLOGY
Sudden Acquired Retinal Degeneration Syndrome - Understanding the Genetics in Dogs

Sudden acquired retinal degeneration syndrome (SARDS) is a common cause of permanent blindness in dogs; however, the underlying cause for SARDS is unknown and no treatment exists. The purpose of the study is to better characterize this disease with hopes of identifying protein biomarkers and/or the genetic components of this disease.    

SOFT TISSUE SURGERY
Nasolacrimal Apparatus Blockage - A Multi-Disciplinary, Minimally-Invasive Treatment 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.     
  
Liver Tumors - Using a New Technique to Shrink 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 dogs with naturally-occurring liver cancer, and 2) evaluate the effect that liver TAE has on clinical signs and the size of the tumor.  
  
      Read more...
Oral Tumors - Taking a Deeper Look at Lymph Nodes in Dogs 

Lymph node metastasis can influence the prognosis and treatment recommendations made for a patient. H owever, aspiration cytology of the geographically nearest lymph node misses a diagnosis of lymph node metastasis in a large number of patients. Therefore, this trial    focuses on optimizing a method of sentinel lymph node mapping to improve the accuracy of cancer diagnoses and treatment recommendations in dogs with oral tumors.

Colorectal Masses - Assessing New Minimally-Invasive Approaches to Surgical Planning for Dogs   

The purpose of this study is two-fold: 1) To evaluate two different novel, minimally-invasive approaches to pre-operative imaging and surgical planning, and 2)  To compare two protocols for bowel preparation prior to imaging for dogs with rectal masses. 

ORTHOPEDIC SURGERY & LAMENESS
Tendon and Ligament Injuries, Laminitis, Tendonitis, Desmitis, and Intra-articular Lesions - 

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.              

    Read more...
HEALTHY
Healthy Indoor Cats - Assessing Feeding Behaviors and Activity Levels

The purpose of this study is to evaluate feeding behaviors and activity levels of cats under different household conditions. 
 

Healthy Dogs - Assessing Amino Acid Concentrations in Urine

Amino acids are the building blocks of protein. We are trying to establish normal reference ranges for urinary amino acids in healthy dogs consuming dry, canned or commercial raw diets or home-prepared diets.  

TRIAL UPDATES
Clinical Trials that are "On Hold" 
  • Understanding the Genetics for Leopard Complex Spotting in Appaloosas
  • Assessing a New Treatment for Oral Melanoma in Dogs
  • Assessing a New Treatment for Lymphoma in Dogs
  • Evaluating a New Formulation of Chemotherapy for Lymphoma in Dogs
  • Understanding Intervertebral Disc Herniation in Dachshunds
  • Identifying Lymph Node Metastasis in Dogs with Lung Tumors
  • Assessing Minimally-Invasive Tumor Ablation in Cats and Dogs
  • Improving Operative Detection of Tumors in Cats and Dogs
  • Sentinel Lymph Node Mapping in Dogs
  • 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  
  • CT and PET/CT for staging of canine oral malignant melanoma
  • Understanding the Genetics Behind Addison's Disease in Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers
  • Understanding the Genetics Behind Hypertrophic Osteodystrophy in Dogs
  • Understanding the Genetics Behind Cleft Palates and Lips in Dogs
  • Use of Canine Struvite Dissolution Diet in the Management of Infection Induced Struvite Stones in Dogs
  • Finding a New Treatment for Pemphigus Foliaceus 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!  
Can't find what you are looking for? Got questions?
Interested in supporting the VCCT?