All Active Canine Clinical Trials

Evaluating the Effect of Minimally Invasive Surgery on the Intracranial Pressure in Dogs

Complete Title: The Effect of Laparoscopy on Intracranial Pressure as Measured by Optic Nerve Sheath Diameter

The optical nerve sheath contains cerebral spinal fluid and when intracranial pressure increases, the walls of the sheath stretch and expand. Using ultrasound, we can measure these changes in the optic nerve sheath diameter (ONSD). Gaining a better understanding of intracranial pressure changes in dogs may have a future impact on anesthetic considerations and surgical planning for laparoscopic procedures in veterinary medicine.

Inclusion criteria:

• Any dogs undergoing laparoscopic gastropexy and/or spay at OVC

NEW STUDY – Evaluating the Use of IV Fluids on Blood Values in Critically Ill Dogs

Complete Title: Hyaluronic acid blood concentrations in critically ill dogs

Intravenous (IV) fluid therapy is often used for hospitalized patients. We don’t really know how the use of IV fluids impacts blood vessels, but Hyaluronic acid (HA) may be a biomarker (or indicator) of these changes. Using HA measurements, we can better understand the effect of fluid therapies in critically ill dogs and the HA concentrations related to various diagnoses.

Inclusion criteria:

• Dogs with a confirmed diagnosis of abdominal bleeding (non-traumatic in origin) and/or dogs with suspected and subsequently confirmed diagnosis of sepsis (overwhelming bacterial infection)

ON HOLD – Evaluating the Impact of Elective Surgery on the Gut Bacteria of Dogs

Complete Title: Impact of Elective Orthopedic Surgery on the Fecal Microbiome of Dogs

The gut microbiome is a collection of bacteria and other microorganisms living within the gastrointestinal tract, including many beneficial bacteria. Surgery could impact the microbiome population, and changes in the microbiome could be linked to health status.

Inclusion criteria:

• Dogs undergoing any elective orthopedic surgery (e.g., TPLO, etc), with no other diagnosed illnesses in 1 month prior to surgery

ON HOLD – Measuring How Drugs Affect the Speed of Transit Through the Gastrointestinal Tract via a Swallowed Video Recording Device

Complete Title: Effect of Metoclopramide and Erythromycin on Gastrointestinal Transit Time in Healthy Dogs Measured by Video Endoscopy

Capsule endoscopy (CE) has revolutionized the approach of endoscopy in humans and dogs, allowing for the evaluation of the entire gut in a minimally invasive way, without the need for general anesthesia. In order to use this innovative technology for clinical practice in dogs, it is crucial that we develop an optimal protocol (using prokinetic drugs) to achieve a complete study.

Inclusion criteria:

• (Dogs owned by internal (OVC) or external veterinary professionals)
• Healthy dogs ≥10 kg not on any medication affecting gut motility (i.e. prokinetics, levothyroxine or opioids) with no adverse GI signs within the last 2 months (vomiting, diarrhea, or regurgitation) and no chronic gastroenteropathy

ON HOLD – Investigating Canine Seizures and Behaviour using Wearable Biomonitors

Complete Title: Pilot study of wearable biomonitors to explore the behavioural and environmental context of canine seizures

Idiopathic epilepsy (IE) is the most common neurological disorder diagnosed in dogs. IE has a significant negative impact on affected dogs and their owners’ quality of life. Through the use of wearable technologies for both pets and owners, we can increase our understanding of epileptic canine behaviour and gain insight to better predict future seizure occurrence.

Inclusion criteria:

• Dogs (Golden retrievers, Labrador retrievers, Huskies, German Shepherds, Border Collies, Australian Shepherds, Standard Poodles, and mixes of these breeds) between the ages of 2-7 years old
• Two groups:
  • Dogs with Tier I idiopathic epilepsy diagnosis with no other health concerns/underlying conditions
  • Neurotypical with no other health concerns/underlying conditions

Are These Seizures in Dogs?

Complete Title: Are These Seizures in Canines?

It’s important to understand if a dog’s ‘episodes’ are a seizure, as treatment may be required. Using video recording and electroencephalography (EEG), we can
confirm if seizure activity is happening and classify the type of seizure.

Inclusion criteria:

• Dogs that are between 6 months and 6 years of age that experience episodes similar to seizures

Do Anti-Seizure Drugs Work in Dogs?

Complete Title: Do Anti-Seizure Drugs Work in Canines?

Even with anti-seizure drug (ASD) treatment, a proportion of dogs may continue to have seizures or experience intolerable side effects from their medication. Accurate seizure control impacts the quality of life and survival in epileptic dogs and also their caretaker’s quality of life.

Inclusion criteria:

• Dogs between 6 months and 6 years of age with normal neurologic exam and at least one year since index seizure (known as Tier I idiopathic epilepsy)
• Any dog with Tier II idiopathic epilepsy regardless of age, neurologic exam status, or time since the first onset of seizures (must have normal MRI and CSF & bloodwork)
• Dog’s veterinarian is planning to add a new ASD regardless of previous ASD status

Evaluating the Structural Brain Differences of Dogs Diagnosed with Idiopathic Epilepsy

Complete Title: Craniocerebral Topographical Mapping in Dogs with Idiopathic Epilepsy

By evaluating diffusion tensor imaging in both neurotypical and dogs with Idiopathic Epilepsy (IE), we can better understand abnormal brain structures associated with IE and potentially improve diagnostic and treatment options.

Inclusion criteria:

• Neurotypical dogs with no obvious structural brain abnormalities or neurological disorders undergoing MRI and have an average muzzle length
• Dogs diagnosed with generalized IE that have no other medical conditions, undergoing MRI and have an average muzzle length

MORE INFO COMING SOON!

Investigating the Placement of EEG Electrodes in Dogs with Epilepsy Using 3D Reconstruction

Complete Title: Craniocerebral Topographical Mapping for Improved Canine Electroencephalographic (EEG) Lesion Localization

To improve the diagnosis and characterization of canine epilepsy, we need to better understand how our scalp electrodes map to the underlying brain surface and establish a best practice for electrode placement.

Inclusion criteria:

• Dogs with a planned EEG recording:
  • Neurotypical dogs with no obvious structural brain abnormalities or neurological disorders undergoing MRI/CT and have an average muzzle length
  • Dogs diagnosed with generalized IE that have no other medical conditions, undergoing MRI/CT and have an average muzzle length

MORE INFO COMING SOON!

NEW STUDY – Evaluating the Use of Magnesium to Control Pain and Inflammation Following Spinal Surgery in Dogs

Complete Title: Investigation of the role of systemic intravenous intraoperative magnesium sulphate as anti-inflammatory and analgesic drug in dogs undergoing spinal decompression surgery for acute thoracolumbar disc herniation

Not only is magnesium an important ion in the body but it also has anti-inflammatory properties, is inexpensive, very easy to administer, it is not a controlled drug or addictive, and side effects are extremely rare. By evaluating the use of magnesium in combination with standard of care opioids, we can evaluate its analgesic and anti-inflammatory effect.

Inclusion criteria:

• Dogs with a confirmed diagnosis of acute intervertebral disc herniation and interested in pursuing surgery

MORE INFO COMING SOON!

NEW STUDY – Can We Use a Mobile App to Measure Oral Tumours in Dogs?

Complete Title: Utility and Feasibility of Mobile Device Photogrammetry to Accurately Determine Tumour Dimensions in Dogs with Oral Tumours, a Pilot Study

An important aspect of tumour staging and prognosis is often related to tumour size. Traditionally, clinicians have relied on hand-held caliper measurements alone prior to CT to accurately obtain a baseline for their patient’s tumour and to later assess response to therapy. Incorporation of technology in the assessment of pets with cancer is important for treatment evaluation and improving follow-up including the ability to monitor disease at home, without the need to travel for recheck appointments. 

Inclusion criteria:

• Dogs with oral tumours >1cm undergoing CT scans for standard of care treatment at either the Ontario Veterinary College or the Lakeshore Animal Health Partners Emergency and Specialty Hospital

Exploring a Novel Diagnostic and Treatment Technique in Combination With Surgery for Thyroid Tumours in Dogs

Complete Title: Exploration of Nanoparticle-Enabled Image Guided Photoablation in Veterinary Patients

PORPHYSOME-enabled therapies can have an immediate impact on cancer management providing better patient outcomes. This study will evaluate the potential applications of the novel nanomedicine (PORPHYSOMES) and PDT in veterinary clinical patients with thyroid tumours.

This project is part of the Veterinary Medical Innovation Platform aligned with Dr Michelle Oblak’s research chair with OVC and Animal Health Partners!

Inclusion criteria:

• Dogs with a confirmed freely moveable thyroid tumour interested in pursuing surgery are eligible

ON HOLD – Evaluating the Use of Fluorescence Dyes in Surgery to Identify Canine Pancreatic Cancer and Metastasis

Complete Title: Pilot Evaluation of Near Infrared Fluorescence Imaging for Intraoperative Identification of Canine Insulinoma and Their Metastasis

Near-infrared fluorescence imaging (NIRF) using Indocyanine Green (ICG), a fluorescent dye, has been previously used in a number of veterinary applications (many in clinical trials at OVC). The use of NIRF for pancreatic mass resection in dogs has not yet been described but holds excellent potential for improving patient outcomes.

Inclusion criteria:

• Dogs that are diagnosed with a pancreatic mass and scheduled for exploratory laparotomy

MORE INFORMATION COMING SOON!

ON HOLD – Characterization of Innate Lymphoid Cells in Canine Blood

The goal of this study is to determine how commercial compounds could be used to identify all subsets of innate lymphoid cells in the circulation of healthy dogs and expand them in our laboratory for further characterizations.

Inclusion criteria:

• INTERNAL STUDY – OVC Faculty, Staff and Student Owned Pets Only
• Healthy adult dogs will be enrolled in the study. Exclusion criteria include body weight below 5 kg and above 45 kg, systemic disease, systemic immunomodulatory medication or supplement within the last two weeks (including corticosteroids and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories), and vaccination with the previous month

Investigating Carboplatin Chemotherapy as a Post-Surgical treatment for Splenic Hemangiosarcoma in Dogs

Complete Title: Investigating Carboplatin Chemotherapy As Adjuvant Treatment For Canine Splenic Hemangiosarcoma

Even with standard of care treatments, Doxorubicin
chemotherapy and tumour resection, HSA has a very guarded prognosis. Carboplatin is another common chemotherapy agent and has been shown to have a similar effect and an improved tolerability in dogs diagnosed with Osteosarcoma, when compared to Doxorubicin.

Inclusion criteria:

• Confirmed diagnosis of splenic hemangiosarcoma
• Must have already undergone splenectomy
• No evidence of metastasis
• No previous chemotherapy treatment

Investigating Biomarkers of Metronomic Chemotherapy Treatment in Dogs with Soft Tissue Sarcoma

Complete Title: Investigating Biomarkers for Metronomic Cyclophosphamide Treatment of Canine Soft Tissue Sarcoma Using Functional Imaging, Tissue, and Blood Analysis

Metronomic chemotherapy (LDM) is a new form of treatment, defined as the low-dose daily administration of chemotherapy drugs. We do not know exactly how these drugs work (changes that occur inside the tumour) or the most optimal dose and schedule for STS treatment.

Inclusion criteria:

• Dogs with a confirmed diagnosis of soft tissue sarcoma with gross disease

Companion Animal (Cats and Dogs) Tumour Sample Bank

Complete Title: Companion Animal Tumour Sample Bank

The objective of this bank is to allow for translation of cancer research throughout the University of Guelph and greater community to improve lives of those with companion animals that have cancer.

Inclusion criteria:

• Companion animals with a confirmed diagnosis of cancer and the presence of a tumour

MORE INFORMATION COMING SOON!

ON HOLD – Analyzing Lymph Node Spread in Dogs Undergoing Surgery for Thyroid Tumours

Complete Title: Evaluation of Regional Lymph Node Metastasis in Canine Thyroid Carcinoma

The objective of this study will provide a more accurate idea of how often metastasis to the lymph nodes occurs in dogs with thyroid tumours or what effect that lymph node involvement has on prognosis. Specialized tissue staining may also help find deposits of cancer beyond routine staining techniques.

Inclusion criteria:

• Dogs with a confirmed diagnosis of a thyroid tumour undergoing staging and surgery

Evaluating Outcomes Associated with Acute Myeloid Leukemia in Dogs

Complete Title: It’s All in the Genes – The Mutational Landscape of Acute Myeloid Leukemia in Dogs

If we can better understand the different types and genetic mutations associated with AML, we will be able to provide a more accurate prognosis for dogs diagnosed with AML in the future.

Inclusion criteria:

• Dogs with a diagnosis of acute myeloid leukemia or myelodysplastic syndrome

Evaluating the Clinical Outcome of Dogs Diagnosed with T-cell Lymphoma

Complete Title: Prognostication of Canine T-cell Lymphoma

T-cell lymphoma is rare and most dogs with T-cell lymphoma are considered to have a poor prognosis. Recently, there has been evidence that some T-cell lymphomas have a better prognosis than previously described, but we don’t fully understand this variability which is crucial for accurate prognoses.

Inclusion criteria:

• Dogs with a cytology or histopathology diagnosis of lymphoma who will be treated with chemotherapy

Evaluating the Use of Fluorescent Dyes in Surgery to Improve Lymph Node Staging in Dogs with Lung Cancer

Complete Title: Evaluation of Sentinel Lymph Node Mapping in Dogs with Lung Tumours using CT Lymphography and Intraoperative Indocyanine Green

By developing new protocols, we can ensure accurate evaluation of the most important lymph node(s) to make better follow-up and treatment recommendations. This will help to improve patient treatments and outcomes for dogs diagnosed with lung tumours, as well as dogs and cats with other solid tumour types in the future. The team is working closely with human surgeons on this translational project.

Inclusion criteria:

• Dogs with a single lung tumour (less than 5cm) interested in pursing CT scan and surgery

MORE INFORMATION COMING SOON!

Comparing the Use of Fluorescent Dyes in Surgery to Previously Reported Methods for Improving Lymph Node Staging in Dogs with Oral Cancer

Complete Title: Evaluation of Agreement Between Computed Tomography Lymphangiography and The Combination of Methylene Blue and Indocyanine Green for Sentinel Lymph Node Mapping in Dogs with Oral Tumours

Development of imaging and intraoperative protocols could help decrease the number of lymph nodes surgically removed, in addition to ensuring accurate evaluation of the most important lymph node(s) for making follow-up treatment recommendations improving patient prognosis and outcomes for dogs diagnosed with oral tumours.

Inclusion criteria:

• Dogs with a diagnosed oral tumour and interested in pursuing CT & Surgery

Gastrointestinal Lesions And Bleeding in Dogs With Mast Cell Tumours

Mast cells are involved in the inflammatory response including the release of histamine, which increases
stomach acidity. Using a new, non-invasive technology (pill cameras), we can obtain images of a dog’s GI tract to determine the frequency of GI lesions and better understand the relationship between GI lesions and MCT, in order to predict and treat dogs with GI lesions due to MCT in the future.

Inclusion criteria:

• Dogs (> 6 kg) with naturally occurring mast cell tumour disease 

ON HOLD – Evaluating a Non-Invasive Heat Therapy For The Treatment of Bone Cancer in Dogs

Complete Title: Magnetic Resonance (MRI)-Guided High Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) to Treat Limb Osteosarcoma in Dogs: a Pilot Study

Bone cancer or osteosarcoma (OSA) is a common, highly aggressive cancer that can affect the long bones of large breed dogs. Current standard of care therapy consists of limb amputation plus chemotherapy. High-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) delivers ultrasonic energy that heats a target tissue above 60°C to produce tissue destruction without harming overlying and adjacent tissues within the path of the heat beam. It has been proposed that HIFU could be an alternative, non-surgical treatment which could provide an opportunity for the immune system to mount an immunity against OSA and could possibly reduce the frequency and/or speed of occurrence of metastasis.

Inclusion criteria:

• Dogs with a confirmed diagnosis of osteosarcoma with no evidence of metastases
• No previous surgical/radiation treatment for treatment of OSA
• Prior chemotherapy and/or bisphosphonate treatment will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis

MORE INFORMATION COMING SOON!

ON HOLD at OVC, but open at collaborating US Sites –Evaluating the Use of Fluorescence Dyes in Surgery to Identify Canine Pancreatic Cancer and Metastasis

Complete Title: Pilot Evaluation of Near Infrared Fluorescence Imaging for Intraoperative Identification of Canine Insulinoma and Their Metastasis

Near-infrared fluorescence imaging (NIRF) using Indocyanine Green (ICG), a fluorescent dye, has been previously used in a number of veterinary applications (many in clinical trials here at OVC). The use of NIRF for pancreatic mass resection in dogs has not yet been described but holds excellent potential for improving patient outcomes. The objective of this pilot study is to investigate the feasibility and utility of NIRF imaging for intraoperative characterization of pancreatic tumours and their metastases in dogs.

Inclusion criteria:

• Dogs that are diagnosed with a pancreatic mass and scheduled for exploratory laparotomy

MORE INFORMATION COMING SOON!

Evaluating the Use of Fluorescent Dyes in Surgery to Improve Lymph Node Staging in Dogs with Lung Cancer

Complete Title: Evaluation of Sentinel Lymph Node Mapping in Dogs with Lung Tumours using CT Lymphography and Intraoperative Indocyanine Green

By developing new protocols, we can ensure accurate evaluation of the most important lymph node(s) to make better follow-up and treatment recommendations. This will help to improve patient treatments and outcomes for dogs diagnosed with lung tumours, as well as dogs and cats with other solid tumour types in the future. The team is working closely with human surgeons on this translational project.

Inclusion criteria:

• Dogs with a single lung tumour (less than 5cm) interested in pursing CT scan and surgery

MORE INFORMATION COMING SOON!

ON HOLD – Evaluating the Use of Fluorescent Dyes in Dogs Undergoing Gallbladder Removal Surgery

Complete Title: Evaluation of Indocyanine Green (ICG) Cholangiography in Dogs with Hepatobiliary Disease Undergoing Cholecystectomy

This study aims to determine the clinical usefulness of a safe fluorescent dye (indocyanine green, ICG) in canine patients with hepatobiliary disease scheduled to undergo gall bladder removal surgery by assessing whether it improves visualization of the biliary tree during surgery. 

Inclusion criteria: 

• Any dog undergoing routine gall bladder removal surgery (open or laparoscopic cholecystectomy) during normal operating hours at the OVC

MORE INFORMATION COMING SOON!

Exploring a Novel Diagnostic and Treatment Technique in Combination With Surgery for Thyroid Tumours in Dogs

Complete Title: Exploration of Nanoparticle-Enabled Image Exploration of Nanoparticle-Enabled Image Guided Photoblation in Veterinary Patients

PORPHYSOME-enabled therapies can have an immediate impact on cancer management providing better patient outcomes. This study will evaluate the potential applications of the novel nanomedicine (PORPHYSOMES) and PDT in veterinary clinical patients with thyroid tumours.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Dogs with a confirmed freely moveable thyroid tumour interested in pursuing surgery are eligible

Comparison of Two Surgical Techniques and Long Term Outcomes to Alleviate Congenital Constriction in Dogs

Complete Title: Prospective, Long-Term Evaluation of Esophageal Function and Clinical Outcome Following Surgical Treatment of Vascular Ring Anomalies (VRA) in Dogs

Vascular ring anomalies (VRA) are a result of
developmental abnormalities during fetal growth. Early surgical treatment of VRA is recommended to alleviate
the clinical signs and prevent long-term abnormalities
to the neuromuscular function of the esophagus. The objective of this study is to evaluate the clinical outcome and esophageal function following surgical treatment of VRA with traditional and minimally invasive techniques.

• Dogs with a confirmed diagnosis of a VRA undergoing CT scan and surgery

Evaluating the Use of Minimally Invasive Surgical Techniques for Dogs Presenting with Spontaneous Pneumothorax

Complete Title: Prospective Evaluation of Minimally Invasive Thoracic Surgery for Identification of Pulmonary Bullae in Dogs with Spontaneous Pneumothorax

The objective of this study is to evaluate the accuracy in identifying bubbles on the lungs during this technique.

Inclusion criteria:

• Dogs with a confirmed diagnosis of a spontaneous pneumothorax undergoing traditional open surgery through the breast bone

MORE INFORMATION COMING SOON!

Analyzing Lymph Node Spread in Dogs Undergoing Surgery for Thyroid Tumours

Complete Title: Evaluation of Regional Lymph Node Metastasis in Canine Thyroid Carcinoma

The objective of this study will provide a more accurate idea of how often metastasis to the lymph nodes occurs in dogs with thyroid tumours or what effect that lymph node involvement has on prognosis. Specialized tissue staining may also help find deposits of cancer beyond routine staining techniques.

Inclusion criteria:

• Dogs with a confirmed diagnosis of a thyroid tumour undergoing staging and surgery

Comparing the Use of Fluorescent Dyes in Surgery to Previously Reported Methods for Improving Lymph Node Staging in Dogs with Oral Cancer

Complete Title: Evaluation of Agreement Between Computed Tomography Lymphangiography and The Combination of Methylene Blue and Indocyanine Green for Sentinel Lymph Node Mapping in Dogs with Oral Tumours

Development of imaging and intraoperative protocols could help decrease the number of lymph nodes surgically removed, in addition to ensuring accurate evaluation of the most important lymph node(s) for making follow-up treatment recommendations improving patient prognosis and outcomes for dogs diagnosed with oral tumours.

Inclusion criteria:

• Dogs with a diagnosed oral tumour and interested in pursuing CT & Surgery

Comparison of Two Surgical Techniques For The Treatment of Brachycephalic Airway Disease in French Bulldogs

Complete Title: Prospective, Randomized Trial Comparing Two Surgical Techniques For The Treatment of Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS) in French Bulldogs

Currently in veterinary patients, standard of care surgery for BOAS is a soft palate resection (staphylectomy). Given that some dogs still suffer from breathing difficulties following surgery, modifications that aim to provide a greater opening of the airway have been proposed. One of these procedures is the folded flap palatoplasty however a comparison of these techniques as it relates to clinical outcome has not been performed.

Inclusion criteria:

• French bulldogs <5 years of age, with breathing difficulties as a result of BOAS and are interested in pursuing CT and surgery

ON HOLD at OVC, but open at collaborating US Sites – Evaluating the Use of Fluorescent Dyes to Assess Blood Flow in Dogs Undergoing Intestinal Resection During Foreign Body Surgery

Complete Title: Use of Fluorescent Dyes for Perfusion Assessment and Surgical Planning for Foreign Body Surgery in Dogs

In human medicine, the use of fluorescent dyes like Indocyanine Green (ICG), have been found to decrease complications in bowel surgery. ICG has not yet been used for intestinal blood flow assessment in pets but might be helpful to reduce complications associated with poor blood flow including poor healing and leakage.

Inclusion criteria: 

• Dogs undergoing intestinal surgery for foreign body removal that require part of their intestines

MORE INFORMATION COMING SOON!