Clinical Studies for Animals

Canine Cancer Biomarker Study

Status: Completed
Publish Date: April 24, 2018

Principal Investigator: Craig Woods DVM, MS, MBA

Summary:
This is a sample collection study and analysis of several potential biomarkers in sera samples.   Sera samples from clinically normal patients will be compared to samples from patients with known cancer types.

Tumor Imaging Study 

Status: Completed
Publish Date: April 24, 2018

Co-investigators: 
Craig Woods DVM, MS, MBA and Chad VanDenBerg Pharm.D., MS.

Summary: 
This is a prospective clinical study in dogs to evaluate the ability of a tumor imaging agent to fluoresce during surgery.

General Study Procedures: 
Patients qualifying for the study will be administered the imaging agent, via intravenous injection, 72 to 24 hours before surgery.  During surgery, the tumor will be imaged using a special near-infrared camera.  After surgical removal, a portion of the tumor will be used for further histological and quantitative analysis.

General Eligibility: 
Dogs with non-hepatic solid tumors that are scheduled for surgical resection.  Other inclusion/exclusion will be discussed during owner consenting process.

The study related procedures are at no cost to dog owners.  If enrolled, dog owners will be credited $200 towards their surgery.

Evaluation of a Chelating Agent in Dogs with Otitis Externa 

Status: Completed
Publish Date: April 24, 2018

Co-investigators:  Craig Woods DVM, MS, MBA and Jason Eberhardt DVM, DACVIM.

Summary: 
This is a prospective, double-blind, clinical study comparing a chelating ear drop to an approved ear formulation in dogs with otitis externa.

General Study Procedures: 
Patients qualifying for the study will be administered ear drops twice per day for seven days, and clinically evaluated at baseline and Day 7 using a standardized score form.  Owners will be issued a questionnaire to be filled out at home during the course of the study.  Baseline ear swabs will be taken and used for culture of bacteria and yeast, and isolates identified using rRNA sequencing and MALDI-TOF.

General Eligibility: 
Dogs between 1 and 10 years of age with unilateral or bilateral otitis externa.  Dogs will be excluded for underlying skin conditions or endocrine disorders.

The study related procedures are at no cost to dog owners.  If enrolled, dog owners will be credited $50 towards at recheck for time and effort.

Pit Viper Envenomation Demographics in Dogs [2014-2017]

Status: Completed
Publish Date: April 23, 2018

Principal Investigator: Craig Woods DVM, MS, MBA

Summary: 
Retrospective study analyzing reported snake envenomation in dogs across the United States.  Study objectives are to determine an incidence of snake envenomation in dogs, and describe the demographics and treatments.

Snake Venom Toxin Analysis in Dog Serum Samples

Status: Completed
Publish Date: April 23, 2018

Principal Investigator: Craig Woods DVM, MS, MBA

Summary: 
This is a serum sample collection study and analysis of dogs presenting for snake envenomation.  Samples will be analyzed to better characterize key venom toxin levels in dogs over time, with or without antivenom administration.

Canine Degenerative Myelopathy Study

Status: Completed
Publish Date: January 4, 2018

Summary: 
This is an 8-month pilot study to evaluate the effects of a neurogenic peptide in dogs previously diagnosed with degenerative myelopathy (DM).

Study Procedures: 
The peptide will be administered by intravenous injection at days 1, 7, and 14. Dogs will be evaluated by neurological exams and owner response on disability questionnaires at baseline and on Day 7, 14, 28, 56, 120, 180, and 240. Dogs will have 0.5 – 1mL of blood drawn at each time-point.

To qualify for participation, your dog must :

• German Shepherds, Boxers, Corgi’s and Rhodesian ridgebacks of any age, weight or gender presenting with signs consistent with degenerative myelopathy.
• Confirmed SOD1 gene mutation (may be submitted for analysis by referring veterinarian).
• Potential other causes of neurological symptoms (e.g., other spinal diseases) have been previously excluded by imaging (MRI, CT, and/or contrast spinal radiography).
• Has moderate hind-limb weakness with obvious gait abnormalities associated with neurological deficits (as measured by neurological exam), between grade I (mild to moderate ataxia and paraparesis) and grade II (severe ataxia and ambulatory paraparesis).

Dogs will not be eligible for participation if they have or are:

• Severe paraparesis (grade III) or paraplegia (grade IV).
• Diagnosis of non DM neurological disease or musculoskeletal disease which may interfere with outcome assessments.
• Any dog diagnosed with a co-morbidity which may affect outcome measures including endocrinopathy, heart disease, or previous spinal trauma.
• Dogs that are pregnant or lactating.

The study procedures are at no cost to dog owners.  Dog owners will be reimbursed for time and effort.