Current Clinical Trials

Dermatology - Medication for Treatment of Allergic Skin Disease

Dr. Laura Stokking is currently enrolling cats in a clinical trial investigating a new medication for the treatment of allergic skin disease.  Sponsored by a major Global health company.  Contact Amie Alatorre at (858) 875-7500 x116.

Dermatology - Medication to Control Itching

Dr. Laura Stokking is enrolling dogs for a new medication to control itching.  Sponsored by a major Global health company.  Contact Karina Benish, RVT, CW2 at (858) 875-7500 x640.

Dermatology - Treatment of Cutaneous Lesions

Dr. Laura Stokking has a third Phase I clinical trial to test the use of an emulsified oxygen cream to treat cutaneous lesions in horses and dogs.  For more information contact Karina Benish, RVT, CW2 at (858) 875-7500 x640.

Surgery – Sliding Humeral Osteotomy

VSH is enrolling patients in a clinical study evaluating the sliding humeral osteotomy (SHO) as a treatment of advanced medial compartment elbow disease (fragmented medial coronoid process and humeral osteochondrosis desiccans). This is a phase II clinical trial being conducted at select referral practices across the country in conjunction with New Generation Devices. Patients are considered candidates if the response to conventional surgical therapy (fragment removal or OCD lesion curettage) has been less than ideal. This new surgical procedure shows promise for improving function and reducing pain associated with elbow dysplasia. For more information, contact Dr. Fred Pike at 858-875-7537. 

Surgery- Micro Total Hip Replacement

VSH is enrolling 25 small dogs in a clinical study to compare the results of micro THR to those of femoral head and neck excision.  If you know of a small dog candidate for this procedure or would like to learn more about the benefits of participating in the study, contact any of the surgeons at VSH at (858) 875- 7575.

Surgery – Bone Induction Product for Diaphyseal Fractures in Dogs.

VSH is enrolling cases in a randomized clinical trial investigating a Bone Induction Product for use in Diaphyseal Fractures in dogs.  This FDA approved clinical trial is sponsored by a major Global Animal Health Company and is one of the last major trials required to bring the product to the veterinary market.  Patients considered are skeletally mature, client owned dogs (not pregnant or lactating), that have sustained a diaphyseal fracture requiring internal fixation.  Patient must be presented to a veterinarian within 24 hours of injury and the fracture must be repaired within 7 days.  Patient must be medically stable without head trauma and without chronic use of steroids.  The owner will receive free radiographs, preoperative and follow-up blood work, recheck examinations, and $500 upon completion of the study.  For more information, contact Sean Aiken at (858) 875-7500 ext 315, (858) 245-5769, or sean.aiken@vshsd.com.

Neurology- Feline Diabetic Neuropathy

In conjunction with the University of California San Diego, VSH is enrolling cats in a study using Prosaptide^TM, a neurotrophic peptide shown to prevent and reverse the onset of fiber dysfunction in rodent models of diabetes mellitus as well as attenuate pain in type 1 and type 2 human diabetic neuropathy. For information, contact Dr. David Lipsitz at (858) 875-7575 x2707.

Criteria for inclusion:

- Dogs 2-10 years of age

- Less than 20 kg/ 44 lbs

- Known paraplegia of 24 hours or less with loss of deep pain in the tail and pelvic limbs

- No more than 2 appropriate doses of NSAID or steroids (dex or pred) in the previous 48 hours (preferably no steroids)  

Dogs with other major medical problems, concurrent pancreatitis, or myelomalacia will not be eligible, nor will dogs that have received MPSS or large doses of Dexamethasone (2mg/kg).  

Each dog that fits the criteria will be treated with 1 of 3 injectable therapies (methylprednisolone, polyethylene glycol, or saline) while they undergo imaging and spinal surgery.  Each dog must return for recheck appointments at 2, 4, 8, and 12 weeks after surgery.  There is no charge for the medication or the recheck appointments, however; client is responsible for the cost of imaging and surgery.  Please contact Dr. Levitski-Osgood (858-875-7575) if you have any questions regarding the study.

Radiation Oncology- Treatment of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma and Acanthomatous Epulides in Dogs

Dr. Blaise Burke is participating in a clinical trial to evaluate a novel radiation therapy technique for the reduction of side effects in normal tissue.  Any dog with a measurable SCC of the oral cavity or acanthomatous epulis is a potential candidate.  This technique will not interfere with treatment of the tumor.  Enrolled dogs receive either the investigational treatment or standard definitive therapy.  For more information, contact Dr. Burke at (858) 875-7575 x2706.'

Internal Medicine - Diagnosis of Acute Pancreatitis Using the cPL Assay

VSH is participating in a prospective clinical study to evaluate the accuracy of the serum cPLI and Snap cPL assay developed by IDEXX laboratories. Any dog presenting for suspected acute pancreatitis is eligible. Each dog will require routine bloodwork, urinalysis, and a complete abdominal ultrasound exam to be paid for by the client, and a spec cPLI, serum amylase and lipase, C-reactive protein, and Snap cPL test to be paid for by IDEXX laboratories. For more information, contact Dr. Kate Arnell at (858) 875-7500 or katharine.arnell@vshsd.com.