Small Animal Medicine

Welcome to the Small Animal Medicine Studies Page!

If you would like more information about a study, or think you would like to enroll your pet, contact the person listed under the study. You may also Contact Us at the CIC.
 
 

Improved Management of Advanced Kidney Disease in Dogs Using an Intestinal-Based Probiotic Therapy

Current Status:  Active and enrolling.
Principal Investigator:  David Polzin, DVM, PhD, DACVIM
Contact:
Dr. David Polzin, 612-625-4254  E-mail: polzi001@umn.edu
Sara Pracht, CVT, 612-626-3574  E-mail: prach011@umn.edu

The purpose of this study is to determine if daily administration of an oral probiotic reduces signs of kidney disease and delays the onset of signs of uremia.  Uremia is the build up of wastes in the blood due to the loss of kidney function due to chronic kidney disease (CKD).  These wastes cause poor appetite, vomiting, lethargy and feeling ill. Probiotic therapy promotes elimination of these wastes through the intestines.

We are looking for dogs over 1 year old with chronic kidney disease with a serum creatinine of 3.0 – 8.0 mg/dl.  Dogs cannot have diabetes, hyperadrenocorticism, lupus or be on corticosteroid therapy.  Dogs in uremic crisis are not able to participate.

All dogs in the study will receive the most current recommended care for chronic kidney disease.  Dogs in the study will either get the probiotic treatment or a placebo. Owners will be willing to have a feeding tube placed in their pet to ensure correct nutrition, water intake and the study treatments.  The study involves follow-up visits for a year; all costs related to the study are covered beginning after placement of the feeding tube.

For more information, please call or e-mail.

 
Effect of spironolactone and ACE inhibitor therapy on proteinuria

Current Status:  Active and enrolling.
Principal Investigator: David Polzin, DVM, PhD, DACVIM
Contact: Dr. Elizabeth Orcutt  E-mail: orcut015@umn.edu

The purpose of this study is to determine if the addition of spironolactone to the current standard of care for protein-losing nephropathy (ACE inhibitor, low-dose aspirin therapy, renal diet) will further decrease the amount of proteinuria. 

We are looking for dogs over 1 year old with protein-losing chronic kidney disease for a double masked, placebo controlled, clinical trial evaluating the effect of spironolactone on proteinuria. All dogs must be receiving standard of care therapy and on a stable dose of an ACE inhibitor for at least 2 months prior to enrollment.  The urine protein to creatinine ratio must be over 2.5 on therapy.  Dogs cannot have diabetes, hyperadrenocorticism, lupus or be on corticosteroid or spironolactone therapy.  Dogs with a serum potassium greater than 6.0 mmol/L, Creatinine great than 5.0 mg/dl or in uremic crisis are not able to participate.

All dogs in the study will receive the most current recommended care for protein-losing chronic kidney disease.  Dogs in the study will either get the spironolactone treatment or a placebo. The study involves 4 follow up visits over 2.5 months.  We cover all costs related to the study, but not compensation for participation.

To participate, please contact the research staff above.
 

 
Antigen detection as a means of diagnosing blastomycosis infection in dogs

Current Status:  Active and enrolling.
Principal Investigator: Ned Patterson, DVM, PhD
Contact:
Dr. Ned Patterson, 612-625-5799  E-mail: patte037@umn.edu
Dr. Alyssa Mourning, 612-624-6284 E-mail: mour0009@umn.edu
Sara Pracht, CVT, 612-626-3574  E-mail: prach011@umn.edu

Blastomycosis is a systemic disease that in many cases, is diagnosed with cytology or histopathology. However, in some cases, it may be difficult to determine, and the delay in diagnosis and therefore, treatment, can adversely affect the patient.  This study aims to test the performance of a test (antigen assay) in dogs with blastomycosis, those with other lung disease, and those that are healthy. The study seeks dogs which have evidence of lung disease on x-ray.  A blood sample and urine sample will be taken, or excess saved if these samples are already taken.

To participate, please contact the research staff above.

 
Oxalate degrading bacteria in dogs

Current Status:  Active and enrolling.
Principal Investigators:
Jody Lulich, DVM, PhD, DACVIM
Josephine Gnanandarajah, DVM
Contact:
Marianne Robeck, CVT, 612-624-1352 E-mail: robec008@umn.edu
Sara Pracht, CVT, 612-626-3574  E-mail: prach011@umn.edu

This study is looking at creating an oxalate degrading bacteria in dogs to treat calcium oxalate uroliths (stones).  We now need to find matched controls for the already enrolled study cases.  Matched controls are healthy dogs which are of the same breed, age and sex as the affected dogs.  Dogs that qualify will have x-rays to ensure there are no urinary stones, and blood, urine and stool samples for the study.  Owners of qualified dogs that complete all tests will receive $50 for their participation.

These are the cases we are looking for:

In addition, there are several other criteria we need to ensure are true:

• no antibiotics or probiotics in the last 2 months
• be free of liver, urinary or kidney disease
• have no urinary stones
• have no urinary calcium oxalate crystals

If you have a dog that matches, please contact the research staff above.

 
Oxalate degrading bacteria in cats

Current Status:  Active and enrolling.
Principal Investigators:
Jody Lulich, DVM, PhD, DACVIM
Noelani Reinker, DVM
Contact:
Dr. Noelani Reinker: 612-625-3180 E-mail: reink041@umn.edu

The purpose of this study is to look for a type of oxalate-degrading bacteria in the feces of cats with and without calcium oxalate stones.  We are looking for cats with calcium oxalate stones or suspected calcium oxalate stones.  The study requires bloodwork, urine, a set of x-rays and a stool sample, and will pay for these tests.  Participating clients will also be reimbursed $25 to help defray costs associated with travel and time.

In addition, there are several other criteria we need to ensure are true:

• no antibiotics or probiotics in the last 2 months
• be free of liver, urinary or kidney disease

If you have a cat that matches, please contact the research staff above.

For more information on our Small Animal Medicine Department, please click here .