The MU-Veterinary Health Center (VHC) is currently seeking patients for enrollment in funded cardiology clinical trials. Study goals and suitability for each patient are discussed in detail with the clients prior to enrollment. Although clinical trial enrollment may not be the best option for all patients, in many cases, clinical trial participation provides the opportunity to receive novel, cutting-edge therapies free of charge or at a reduced cost and may facilitate treatment of pets where it would not otherwise be possible due to financial constraints or lack of other therapy options. Criteria for enrollment are outlined for each open trial below. Please direct referrals or questions to Alyssa Lansdorf or Amanda Alvisio at 573-882-7821.
Current status: open for enrollment
This trial aims to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of a novel diuretic medication, torsemide, compared to furosemide for the treatment of pulmonary edema related to congestive heart failure in dogs with chronic valvular heart disease (CVHD) or dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM).
An initial visit including physical examination, clinical pulmonary edema score, echocardiogram, blood pressure, thoracic radiographs, urine and blood sampling will be performed. Dogs will be randomly assigned to receive Torsemide or Furosemide every day for 84 days as directed. Owners and clinicians will be unaware whether the dog is receiving Torsemide or Furosemide. Physical exams, clinical pulmonary clinical score and blood samplings will be repeated 5, 14, 28, 56, and 84 days after the initial visit. The thoracic radiographs will be repeated 14 and 84 days after the initial visit.
Eligibility
- Dog is newly diagnosed with congestive heart failure, Stage C
- Dogs must be presenting with clinical and radiographic signs of pulmonary edema
- Dogs may be newly diagnosed cases not currently receiving medication
- Dogs previously diagnosed but not currently receiving diuretic treatment
The sponsor will pay for the cost of all examinations and tests for the duration of the study and provide the study medication to be used during the trial. If your dog has any adverse events that are study related and require treatment, the Sponsor will cover the costs of reasonable treatment. In return for your dog’s enrollment and your participation in the study, you will be eligible to receive a $500 credit toward your hospital bill.
Contact Faculty Person: Dr. Stacey Leach
Current status: closed for enrollment
The true prevalence of cachexia in canine patients has not been determined, due in part to euthanasia when a pet’s quality of life declines and weight loss ensues. The objectives for this study are to determine toxicity, including cardiovascular effects of the final drug candidate of MC4 peptide receptor antagonist and to determine preliminary efficacy of MC4 peptide receptor antagonist in dogs with cachexia.
Criteria:
- History of 5% or greater with loss within past three months
- Washout of 2 days required for appetite stimulants.
- CBC, chemistry panel, UA, and abdominal ultrasound within 14 days of enrollment
- Corticosteriod use allowed if > 14 days prior to enrollment
Exclusion:
- renal failure or liver dysfunction
- Use of appetite stimulants
Therapy:
- Initial visit-Blood work, echocardiogram, 24 hour holter monitor, blood pressure.
- Subsequent visit: Photos, followed by subcutaneous administration of MC4 peptide receptor antagonist, 24 hr PK sampling post drug administration.
- Daily subcutaneous administration of MC4 peptide receptor antagonist by owner.
- CBC, chemistry panel, UA and 1 hr PK- week 2 and week 4
- Holter monitor and blood pressure repeated at week 4
- Owner to complete daily diary
Benefit: Owner to pay initial office visit. Study covers initial screening, including the echocardiogram and holter monitor, office visits, blood work, cost of monitoring and treatment.
Contact Faculty Person: Dr. Stacey Leach
