Clinical Trials

For Small Animals

Dentistry & Oral Surgery

The Contribution of Periodontal Treatment to the Management of Systemic Disease in Dogs and Cats

Who Qualifies:
Dogs and cats diagnosed with diabetes, renal failure, liver failure that did not receive any dental treatment in the year prior to joining the study.

More Information:
It has been demonstrated in humans that periodontal disease contributes to the development of atherosclerosis, premature birth and under-weight babies. It also was demonstrated that humans with diabetes tend to develop periodontal disease. In veterinary medicine there have been anecdotal reports suggesting that animals with diabetes and renal failure had their conditions better managed after having their periodontal disease treated.

To Enroll:
Call (970) 297-4304.

Dermatology

The Efficacy of Cetirizine on the Pruritus of Cats with Atopic Dermatitis

Who Qualifies:

More Information:
Antihistamines (like Cetirizine) are commonly used in allergic skin diseases of cats and dogs; so far no clinical studies have been performed evaluating their efficacy in cats with atopic dermatitis (environmental allergies). View our Client Information Sheet to learn more.

To Enroll:
Call (970) 297-4463.

Internal Medicine

Vitamin E Supplementation in Cats with Chronic Kidney Disease

Who Qualifies:
Any cat with chronic kidney disease greater than 1 month duration at IRIS Stage 2 or greater (to be determined by your veterinarian) that does not also have significant concurrent disease (hyperthyroidism, cardiac or liver disease, diabetes mellitus, cancer), or is already being treated with erythropoietin or darbopoietin.

More Information:
One study has already shown the benefit of antioxidant therapy in cats with chronic renal failure, and the current study is designed to look at an antioxidant supplement that specifically targets a deficiency seen in cats with renal failure – vitamin E. For more information, view the Vitamin E Supplementation in Cats with Chronic Kidney Disease Consent Form.

To Enroll:
E-mail Dr. Webb

Cerenia® as an Antinausea Therapy for Cats with Chronic Kidney Disease

Who Qualifies:
Cats that have been diagnosed with chronic and stable kidney disease and have a creatinine (kidney value) between 2.0 and 5 mg/dl and a “picky” appetite are potentially eligible for entry into the study. A current CBC, chemistry, urinalysis, urine culture, thyroid level and blood pressure are required for entry (the CBC, thyroid level and urine culture will be paid for by the study). Exclusion criteria include other uncontrolled systemic illness (diabetes, inflammatory bowel disease, cancer, liver disease), complications of kidney disease such as kidney infection or decompensation, hospitalization and intravenous fluid therapy. Other concurrent therapies such as diet, famotidine, potassium supplementation, and subcutaneous fluids are acceptable as long as no changes are made during the study period.

More Information:
Cerenia® is a medication that has been used in veterinary medicine as a short-term anti-nausea drug. A recent pharmacokinetic study in cats indicated that longer-term usage appears safe. We believe that this medication will improve the appetite of cats who are “finicky” due to their kidney disease. Maintaining adequate nutrition is an important part of managing chronic diseases. For more information, view the Cerenia® as an Antinausea Therapy consent form.

To Enroll:
E-mail Dr. Quimby

Intravenous Allogeneic Adipose-derived Mesenchymal Stem Cell Transfer for Treatment of Chronic Kidney Disease in Cats

Who Qualifies:
Cats that have been diagnosed with chronic stable kidney disease (creatinine 2.0 to 5.0 mg/dL), without evidence of hereditary kidney disease, based on blood work and ultrasound evaluation, are eligible for entry into the study. Eligible cats must have a current lab work panel (CBC, chemistry, urinalysis, urine culture, thyroid level, and blood pressure) and evaluation of the kidneys by ultrasound. If a heart murmur is present, cardiac ultrasound (echocardiogram) is required to rule out significant heart disease. Concurrent diseases such as diabetes, hyperthyroidism, cancer or heart disease would also be reasons for exclusion from the study.

More Information:
We have previously performed a pilot study in cats where stem cells were injected intravenously. In this study no cat suffered any ill effect from the treatment and a few cats had mildly improved creatinine and Glomerular Filtration Rate (a measure of kidney function). The purpose of this study is to further explore intravenous stem cell therapy for chronic renal failure in cats in a placebo controlled study. For more information, view the Intravenous Allogeneic Adipose-derived Mesenchymal Stem Cell client consent form.

To Enroll:
E-mail Dr. Quimby

Urine Culture Techniques Study

Who Qualifies:
You have been offered to participate in this study if your pet is suspected of having pyelonephritis, has a simple urinary tract infection, has kidney disease, or is healthy. We need animals in all categories to demonstrate that the blood culture bottles are not only better than standard culture methods, but that they are at least as good.

More Information:
We are testing a potentially more sensitive way to culture urine so that we can detect infections that do not appear on regular cultures.  We will place a small sample of urine in a special bottle normally used to culture bacteria in the bloodstream where there are very few numbers of organisms.  These are called blood culture bottles. We are hoping that we can detect more cases of pyelonephritis with this technique. For more information, view the Urine Culture Techniques Study client consent form.

To Enroll:
E-mail Dr. Quimby

Oncology

Animal Cancer Center

Who Qualifies:
Your pet may be eligible for one or more of our clinical trials, depending on the diagnosis and overall health of your animal. Your oncology veterinarian will discuss all standard treatment options with you. They will also offer you the opportunity to participate in clinical trials if appropriate, or to consult with the clinical trial coordinator to learn more.

More Information:
The oncology service runs many ongoing clinical trials for multiple different cancer types at any one time. Please view our available oncology clinical trials program to learn more about the studies that are currently enrolling patients.

To Enroll:
Call Kathy Paris, Consult Coordinator, at (970) 297-4195.

Ophthalmology

The Effects of Topical Naltrexone on Corneal Sensitivity and Tear Production in Diabetic Dogs

Who Qualifies:
All dogs must be confirmed diabetics based on previous history and blood work (documented glucosuria and blood glucose ≥200mg/dl) and have received insulin therapy for diabetes mellitus for at least two months prior to entering the study. Exclusion criteria include brachycephalic breed (pugs, bulldogs, boxers, etc.), significant systemic disease other than diabetes mellitus, pregnant or lactating, Schirmer tear test less than 5 mm wetting per minute, current treatment with topical ophthalmic medication, any current ocular disease requiring treatment.

More Information:
Our intent is to demonstrate the effectiveness of topically applied naltrexone in increasing the corneal sensitivity, tear production and tear film break up time in diabetic dogs. If this response can be documented, topical naltrexone could be used to improve the quality of vision and decrease suffering due to corneal disease in diabetic dogs.

To Enroll:
Email Dr. Trevor Arnold at tsarnold@colostate.edu.

For Equine

Equine Medicine & Surgery

Bladder Stone Removal

Who Qualifies:
Geldings with any size bladder stone.

More Information:
We are looking for geldings with bladder stones in order to develop a novel technique for stone removal via perineal urethrostomy. The technique is safe and significantly less expensive than traditional approaches for removal under general anesthesia. The cost for removal will range from $1,200–1,500. Any size stone will qualify.

Contact Information:
Dr. Katie Seabaugh

Determining the Effectiveness of a New Anti-Inflammatory Agent on Clinical Characteristics of Horses with Severe Gastrointestinal Disease

Who Qualifies:
Adult horses (>1 year old) with surgical disease of the gastrointestinal tract or diarrhea.

More Information:
The purpose of this study is to characterize the efficacy of phenylmethimazole, a novel and potent anti-inflammatory agent, in reducing signs of endotoxemia and inflammation (high heart rate, pain, reddened mucous membranes, fever) in horses with severe colic or colitis (diarrhea).

Contact Information:
Call Dr. Diana Hassel at (970) 297-4271

EEG Equipment Validation

Who Qualifies:

Horses with a presumed diagnosis of Seizures/Epilepsy

More Information:

For validation purposes of our newly purchased EEG equipment, we are looking to enroll horses with a presumed diagnosis of Seizures/Epilepsy in a study that includes a routine work-up with a neurological examination, a CT-exam of the head, CSF analysis, and routine blood work. Prior to the CT exam, but while under general anesthesia, EEG-data will be collected (free of charge). A $700 refund will be deducted from the total hospital invoice for each patient enrolled in this study.

Contact Information:
Dr. Lutz Goehring at (970) 297-4246 or lutz.goehring@colostate.edu