New studies are being added all the time – check back soon if you don’t see one available for your cat!
Cardiology
Evaluating Potential Blood Biomarkers for Feline Heart Disease (HCM)
Complete Title: Evaluation of Potential Novel Biomarkers for Feline Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
Researchers at OVC have identified a set of genes that
are differently expressed in hearts from cats with Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM) compared to healthy cats. The products of these genes are known to be released into the blood and might therefore be useful as markers for HCM.
Inclusion criteria (two groups):
- Healthy, male cats ≥ 2 years – RECRUITMENT COMPLETE FOR THIS GROUP
- Female and male cats ≥ 2 years with HCM and no concurrent medical conditions
NEW! Comparison of Small Molecules in the Blood Samples of Cats With and Without Heart Disease
Complete Title: Circulating miRNA profiles in cats with and without hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
MORE INFORMATION COMING SOON!
Diagnostic Imaging
Emergency and Critical Care
NEW STUDY – Comparison of Two Laboratory Systems for Hemoglobin Measurements in Cats
Complete Title: Methods comparison of HemoCue Hb 201+ System and Advia 2120 for hemoglobin measurement in cats
Sick cats often have anemia (a deficiency of healthy red blood cells), which when given intravenous (IV) fluids can worsen this condition. A new handheld device, the HemoCue Hb 201, requires much smaller (up to 100x) blood samples and provides quick results. Before using this device in clinical practice, we need to ensure it is as accurate as our current method, the Advia 2120.
Inclusion criteria:
- Any cat undergoing routine blood collection at the Ontario Veterinary College Health Sciences Centre
- Cats that may have a suspected new diagnosis of Immune-mediated Hemolytic Anemia (IMHA) will be ineligible to participate.
Internal Medicine
Assessment of a Novel Urine Biomarker for Acute Kidney Injury in Cats
Complete Title: Feline Acute Kidney Injury Study
Acute kidney injury (AKI) occurs when there is a sudden failure of the kidneys to perform their normal filtration duties. If diagnosed early and treated aggressively, AKI is potentially reversible. Not all cats with AKI have the
same laboratory blood results (ie: serum creatinine concentration may not be elevated) which can make diagnosis problematic, however, there may be a new
biomarker in urine that we can use to diagnose AKI.
Inclusion criteria:
- Severe systemic disease (including cancer)
- Aminoglycoside & NSAID therapies
- Low urinary tract obstruction
- Prerenal azotemia
- Exacerbation of chronic renal disease
- Acute renal failure
Neurology
Oncology
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!