a white jack Russell terrier with black and brown spots laying on a desk as a woman wearing purple gloves and a stethoscope holds the dog in place while writing on a clipboard.

Canine Internal Medicine Clinical Studies

The Companion Animal Internal Medicine service at the Ontario Veterinary College (OVC) provides comprehensive clinical trials to further veterinary research in the diagnosis and treatment of numerous diseases. The Companion Animal Internal Medicine service is specialized in offering diagnostic tests and procedures for immunologic, endocrine, infectious, genetic and toxic diseases; diseases of the liver, pancreas and gastrointestinal tract; diseases of the kidney and urinary tract, and disease of the respiratory system. To learn more about the Companion Animal Internal Medicine service at the OVC, please click here.


black pug walking with tongue out.

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

Questions about these studies?