January 30, 2002

Canine chronic renal failure study

Lisa E. Moore, DVM, DACVIM is currently conducting a study on chronic renal failure in Canine patients. The research is based on a double-blind study comparing the effects of two different diets formulated for canine chronic renal failure patients. Hypotheses for the study include improvements in GFR, BUN, creatinine, carbamylated Hb, serum phosphorus, blood pressure, red blood cell count, hematocrit, total protein, globulin, albumin, triglycerides, cholesterol, lipase and amylase levels, with clinical manifestations including improved level of activity, attitude and increased survival time. Direct costs associated with patient screening and monitoring at Kansas State VMTH as well as cost of the prescribed diets will be paid by the study investigators for the entire duration of the study. Travel expenses incurred by the client to Kansas State VMTH are not provided- The duration of the study will be for a minimum of two months and a maximum of two years.

Eligible participants for the study must demonstrate documented evidence of stable chronic renal failure for a period of two months (persistent azotemia with creatinine >2.Omg/dl +/-20% in the absence of pre or post-renal contribution to the azotermia), absence of concurrent systemic disease, active urinary tract infection, vomiting, diarrhea or inappetence. This documentation can be provided by the referring DVM provided that the two analyses were performed by the same laboratory.

Dr. Moore will perform an initial screening process of potential candidates at Kansas State VMTH including history, physical exam, blood pressure measurement, CBC, serum chemistry panel, urinanalysis and urine culture, abdominal radiographs and abdominal ultrasound. A client consultation explaining the study protocol and expectations of the client will be performed at this time. The client is not under any obligation for participation at the time of consultation. If the patient is deemed a qualified candidate and the client consent for participation is obtained, an lohexol clearance (GFR) will be performed at the next visit. At time of discharge the client will receive a Client Package including the Client Daily Record forms, questionnaires, disposable camera for taking photographs and the prescribed diet with instructions for a gradual conversion from the former diet to the prescribed diet.

Subsequent monitoring includes the following:
1 month recheck: blood pressure measurement, CRC, serum chemistry and urinalysis performed.
2 month recheck: blood pressure measurement, CBC, serum chemistry, urinanalysis, and lohexol clearance performed.
6 month recheck: blood pressure measurement, CBC, serum chemistry and urinalysis performed.
12 month recheck: blood pressure measurement, :CBC, serum chemistry, urinanalysis, and lohexol clearance performed.
18 month recheck: blood pressure measurement, CBC, serum chemistry and urinalysis performed.
24 month recheck: blood pressure measurement, CBC, serum chemistry, urinanalysis, and lohexol clearance performed.

The monitoring tests must be performed at Kansas State VMTH. The monitoring is noninvasive and does not include biopsy or surgical procedures at any time.

Reviewed 5/3/04