The Oregon State University Carlson College of Veterinary Medicine offers clinical trials of new treatments and procedures in a variety of areas including oncology, cardiology, orthopedic surgery, and more. These trials will help to develop future treatments and diagnostic tools that are both safe and effective.

Answers to frequently asked questions about clinical trials can be found here. For information about a specific trial, please contact the individual at the bottom of each trial summary below. 

The following are current, open clinical trials that are seeking participants. 

 

ONCOLOGY

The hospital is a member of the Comparative Oncology Trials Consortium (COTC), a network of twenty academic oncology centers, centrally managed by the National Institute of Health, that design and conduct clinical trials in dogs with cancer in order to assess new therapies. 

Canine Naive Multicentric Lymphoma Study

Lymphoma is one of the most common cancers in dogs. Current treatment options include various types of chemotherapy, including TANOVEA®-CA1 (rabacfosadine for injection), the first FDA conditionally approved drug to treat canine lymphoma.  Rabacfosadine is an intravenous chemotherapy agent that has been used in both normal dogs and more than 600 dogs with cancer.  The goal of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of the addition of rabacfosadine to a chemotherapy protocol containing doxorubicin, vincristine, cyclophosphamide and prednisone in dogs with previously untreated, spontaneous, multicentric lymphoma.

Patients much have confirmed multicentric lymphoma and must not have received any prior antineoplastic therapy (chemotherapy or radiation).  Dogs must weigh greater than 5 kgs.

Compensation for participation in this clinical trial includes discounted exams fees and blood work, and the drug TANOVEA ®-CA1 is provided at no cost. Questions? For study details and complete list of inclusion/exclusion criteria, please contact Dr. Haley Leeper or Dr. Katie Curran: 541-737-4812.   

Canine Multiple Myeloma Study

Multiple myeloma is a relatively common hematopoietic cancer in dogs; however, there are no approved drugs for treatment, and most will relapse with their disease.  New drugs remain necessary to treat these drug-resistant patients.    Rabacfosadine is an intravenous chemotherapy agent used in dogs with cancer.  It has been shown to induce remission in 60 to 100% of dogs with lymphoma and myeloma.  The goal of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of rabacfosadine, given once every 21 days, to dogs with multiple myeloma.

Patients must have confirmed multiple myeloma.   Dogs must weigh greater than 5 kgs.

Compensation for participation in this clinical trial includes discounted exams fees and blood work, and the drug TANOVEA ®-CA1 is provided at no cost. Questions? For study details and complete list of inclusion/exclusion criteria, please contact Dr. Haley Leeper or Dr. Katie Curran: 541-737-4812. 

Canine Histiocytic Sarcoma Study

Histiocytic sarcoma (HS) is a relatively uncommon malignant form of cancer that has a poor response to therapy. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the safety and efficacy of a new chemotherapy protocol for the treatment of naïve canine HS patients. Patients enrolled in this clinical trial will receive a new combination protocol (lomustine alternating with doxorubicin + zoledronate).

Patients must have confirmed histiocytic sarcoma (localized, disseminated or hemophagocytic) based on cytology with ICC or histopathology with IHC. Dogs must weigh greater than 15 kgs. No prior/concurrent therapy permitted. 

Compensation for participation in this clinical trial includes discounted exams fees and other serviceable fees. Questions?  For study details and complete list of inclusion/exclusion criteria, please contact Dr. Haley Leeper or Dr. Katie Curran: 541-737-4812.  

 

SOFT TISSUE SURGERY

Canine Transitional Cell Carcinoma Study

We are recruiting dogs with non-trigonal urinary bladder tumors (e.g. mass at the apex or mid-body of the bladder) for a novel surgical method that allows partial cystectomy while minimizing risk for tumor cell “seeding” into the abdominal cavity and/or body wall during surgery. More detailed information.

  • What does the study involve? Exam and consultation one day, anesthesia with cystoscopy and partial cystectomy to remove the affected portion of the urinary bladder the next day; dogs typically discharged 1 day postop.
  • Who may qualify for the study? Client-owned dogs with a bladder mass not involving the trigone.
  • Exclusion criteria: previous bladder surgery for the tumor in question (historical cystotomy for stones or other non-neoplastic disease is OK)
  • Client incentives: Financial discounts ranging from $500-700 per dog (Total final expected client bill of $2-3000 depending on duration of procedure)

If you have a dog owner interested in participating, please have them schedule an appointment with the Soft Tissue Surgery Service at 541-737-4812.

Questions? Please contact Dr. Milan Milovancev (milan.milovancev@oregonstate.edu; 541-737-3527) or Dr. Jana Gordon (jana.gordon@oregonstate.edu; 541-737-4808). 

 

CARDIOLOGY

Grain-Free Diets and Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM) Study

There has been a recent connection made between dogs eating non-traditional/BEG (boutique, exotic ingredient, and grain-free) diets and the development of dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). DCM is a heart disease that causes reduced heart function and can lead to heart failure or sudden death. The OSU-VTH Cardiology Service is conducting a study investigating this matter by comparing the heart function of dogs eating non-traditional diets to dogs eating traditional diets. We are currently recruiting apparently healthy dogs that have been eating grain-free diets for at least the past 12 months. Dogs enrolled in the study will receive a physical exam, echocardiogram, and labwork. Research funding supports the entire expense (~$900). All diagnostic tests will be performed during a single visit, and no further follow up will be required. 

If you have any questions or would like to know if your dog qualifies for the study, please contact Dr. Eric Owens at owenser@oregonstate.edu or (541)-737-4812. 

Subaortic Stenosis Study

Dogs with subaortic stenosis are at increased risk for sudden death, and the benefits of standard therapy with Atenolol are unclear. The OSU Cardiology service is performing a study comparing the short-term effects of Atenolol and Sotalol on ventricular function, heart rate, and arrhythmias. We are recruiting young dogs with left basilar systolic murmurs for evaluation. Research funding supports much of the expense (~$650). Eligible dogs and owners are expected to pay exam fees (~$15 per visit). Study participants will be evaluated at 0, 2, and 5 weeks.

Questions? Please contact Dr. Katherine Scollan or Dr. Nicole LeBlanc: 541-737-4812.

Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy (ARVC) Study

Dogs with ARVC are at increased risk for sudden death, and some also develop systolic dysfunction which may progress to congestive heart failure. Sotalol is commonly used to treat arrhythmias in dogs with ARVC. However, the inotropic effects of sotalol have not been well-evaluated in dogs, and a reduction in contractility could precipitate heart failure in dogs affected with systolic dysfunction. The OSU Cardiology is performing a study evaluating the effects of Sotalol on systolic function in normal dogs and dogs with ARVC. We are recruiting adult Boxers (>4 years of age or with a clinical suspicion of arrhythmias) for screening for ARVC. Dogs who meet the criteria for ARVC on initial Holter monitor, and without echocardiographic evidence of overt left or right ventricular dysfunction, will be enrolled. Research funding supports much of the expense (~$265). Owners are expected to pay for Holter monitoring (~$300 x2) to establish the diagnosis and evaluate the response to anti-arrhythmic therapy. Study participants will be evaluated at 0 and 2 weeks.

Questions? Please contact Dr. Katherine Scollan or Dr. Nicole LeBlanc: 541-737-4812. 

 

Small Animal Medicine

Variation in Serum Chemistry Analytes in Cats with Chronic Kidney Disease

A serum chemistry panel is a common test performed in cats and is used to detect and monitor chronic kidney disease. The serum chemistry panel includes the main kidney values (BUN, creatinine, SDMA) and electrolytes (potassium, phosphorus) and these values will normally vary over time in an individual cat. This variation is called biological variation and the magnitude of this variation helps veterinarians understand the importance of a change in these values over time. The variation of kidney values and electrolytes over time in cats with kidney disease is unknown.  We are enrolling cats with stable chronic kidney disease in this 6 week study. The study pays for all study exams and tests. Your cat would receive an examination, bloodwork, urine tests, blood pressure, and urinary ultrasound at enrollment to stage your cat’s chronic kidney disease. We would then collect a blood sample from your cat weekly for 6 weeks and a serum chemistry panel will be performed at each time point. We then look at the trends in the values on the serum chemistry panel over the 6-week period to determine variation in these lab values. You will receive an Amazon gift card and 3-month supply of a kidney prescription diet for participation.

Questions? Please contact Dr. Stacie Summers at Stacie.Summers@oregonstate.edu

Fiber Supplement in Dogs with Inflammatory Bowel Disease

The Oregon State University Department of Clinical Sciences is seeking dogs that have a history of food-responsive gastrointestinal disease to participate in a research study.  Dogs that have a history of gastrointestinal signs (vomiting, weight loss, diarrhea, or poor appetite) and responded favorably to a hypoallergenic diet are eligible. The purpose of this study is to examine the effect of fiber on the gut microbiome. Dogs will be randomized to receive either a fiber supplement or placebo daily for 4 weeks. Participation involves a time commitment of 5 weeks and three visits to the veterinary teaching hospital. You will receive an Amazon gift card for participation. 

Questions? Please contact Dr. Stacie Summers at Stacie.summers@oregonstate.edu

 

LARGE ANIMAL MEDICINE

Colloid transfusion in horses with gastrointestinal disease

Description: We are evaluating the impact of plasma and hetastarch transfusion on colloid osmotic pressure and specific biochemical and hematologic variables in horses with naturally occurring gastrointestinal disease that receive transfusions in the course of normal treatment. Costs of testing are covered in the trial and results are provided to clinicians and owners to help direct therapies and monitor progress in patients.

Contact: Dr. Erica McKenzie at 541-737-4809 or at erica.mckenzie@oregonstate.edu

 

Recently Completed Clinical Trials

Vitamin E and selenium supplementation practices in Pacific Northwestern horses

Canine Laryngeal Paralysis Study

Feline Hyperthyroidism Study
A study on CT imaging of the thyroid in awake cats. Completed June 2014. Abstract.

Feline Injection Site Sarcoma Study
A study of cats affected by, or suspected to be affected by, an injection site sarcoma. Completed June 2014. Abstract.

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Injection for Dogs with Hip Osteoarthritis

Giant Breed Growth Plate Study
Evaluation of bone development in large and giant breed dogs. Abstract.

Canine Osterosarcoma Study
Clinical trials for dogs with appendicular osteosarcoma.

 

All clinical trials in the Lois Bates Acheson Veterinary Teaching Hospital undergo prior review and approval by IACUC.