Medical Resolution of Gallbladder Mucocele Formation in Dogs
04/09/2024
Breed(s): -All Dogs
Sample Type: Clinical Study
Study Location: NC State Veterinary Hospital and Texas A&M Small Animal Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital
The purpose of this study is to determine if daily supplementation with a mixture of vitamins, standard of care treatments, and feeding of a veterinary therapeutic low-fat diet will result in resolution of gallbladder mucocele formation in dogs.
To qualify dogs must be >6 kg (>13 lbs) body weight and diagnosed with a developing gallbladder mucocele with no ultrasonographic or bloodwork evidence of gallbladder rupture or biliary obstruction. Dogs cannot have any concurrent medical illnesses that would be expected to decrease the likelihood of 1-year survival, must be compliant with oral medications and must not have any food allergies, intolerances, aversions, or medical conditions that would preclude exclusive consumption of Royal Canin Gastrointestinal Low Fat dry or canned dog food for a duration of 1 year.
Study participant will receive:
- Exclusive feeding of Royal Canin Gastrointestinal Low Fat dry or canned food with a 10% snack allowance for up to 1 year (paid for by study). Your dog’s feeding plan will be prescribed and monitored by a veterinary nutritionist.
- Oral administration of up to 15 capsules of dietary supplements (vitamins and amino acids) per day (can be staggered) for up to 1 year (paid for by study).
- Complete a daily checklist documenting administration of diet and dietary supplements.
- Visits to the TAMU or North Carolina State University Veterinary Hospital once every 3 months for 1 year for performance of an abdominal ultrasound examination and collection of blood, urine, and a fecal sample (paid for by study).
Benefits:
This study is the first attempt to medically reverse the course of mucocele formation in dogs. If the study is effective, your dog may achieve a partial or full remission of their mucocele formation. Through funding by the AKC Canine Health Foundation and donations from Royal Canin, participation in the study will generate approximately $5,000 in cost savings by providing free prescription dog food, free medications, free abdominal ultrasound examinations, and free bloodwork over a period of 1 year
Contact Information:
Jody L. Gookin, DVM, PhD
Phone: (919) 513-6295 Jody_Gookin@ncsu.edu
Kathleen Aicher DVM, DACVIM
Phone: 979-862-2861 kaicher@cvm.tamu.edu
Help Future Generations of Dogs
Participate in canine health research by providing samples or by enrolling in a clinical trial. Samples are needed from healthy dogs and dogs affected by specific diseases.
