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VMRCVM, Virginia Tech
Phase III, Duckpond Drive
Blacksburg, VA 24061
Small Animal   Hospitals   VMRCVM

Clinical Trials

EndoscopyThe VTH conducts investigative clinical trials to determine the safety or effectiveness of a new method of diagnosis or modality of treatment for animal diseases. Some diseases occuring in companion animals model diseases in humans. The results of our clinical trials may provide the new knowledge needed to advance both animal and human health.

All clinical trials are reviewed and approved by the Veterinary Teaching Hospital Board of the Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine.

Information about our current clinical trials can be found in the summaries and study information sheets below.


Study on Catecholamine (Adrenaline) Production in Dogs

We are currently conducting a clinical trial to evaluate the effects of illness on catecholamine production and to evaluate urine and plasma catecholamine concentrations as a means of diagnosing dogs with pheochromocytomas. Canine volunteers for 3 study groups are being recruited:

  1. Healthy pet dogs older than 5 years of age.
  2. Dogs older than 5 years of age with severe illness that are being hospitalized in our ICU.
  3. Dogs with an adrenal mass diagnosed on ultrasound by a board-certified radiologist.

All dogs in the study will need to have had a CBC, chemistry, urinalysis, blood pressure, and abdominal ultrasound. The cost of any of these tests that would not otherwise be done as part of the diagnostic workup will be covered by the study. All dogs will have blood drawn and urine collected for catecholamine analysis. Dogs with an adrenal mass will also have an ACTH stimulation test performed, free of cost to the client.

We are hopeful that the information we acquire from this study will lead to the development of a non-invasive test to diagnose dogs with pheochromocytomas.

For further information regarding patient eligibility, please see the eligibility requirements sheet (PDF). If you have a pet or patient that qualifies, please contact Kristin Cameron at kcameron@vt.edu.