CSU Animal Cancer Center Clinical Trial

For additional information please view the clinical trial announcement and client information sheet. As seen on CBS Denver news.

Patient Disease:
Healthy Dogs.

Study Name:
Novel dietary formulations for weight loss in overweight/obese dogs.

Purpose of the study:
The Colorado State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital is looking for overweight/obese dogs with no major health problems to participate in a clinical trial investigating new canine diet formulations. The new diet formulations in this study have been shown to have health benefits in mice and people, including changes in metabolism, intestinal health and preventing chronic diseases. These formulations are not currently available in commercial dog diets and may help promote weight loss in overweight dogs. The goal of this study is to evaluate the novel diet induced changes in metabolic parameters and to assess digestibility during weight loss.

Patient Entry Criteria:
There are certain criteria that are used to determine if dogs can qualify for this study. This study is available to overweight dogs that are otherwise in good health. Dogs must be between 2 and 7 years old, weigh more than 10 kg (22 lb), have a Body Condition Score (BCS) of at least 6 out of 9 (please view chart describing body condition scoring), and have relatively normal blood work. Additionally, dogs must not have dietary restrictions or gastrointestinal sensitivity, such as food allergies, or any other health problems requiring medication.

If enrolled, owners must be willing to exclusively feed the provided study diet over the 28 day period. This means no other dog food, treats, vitamins, or human food may be fed during this time. The kibble we provide can be used as a treat. The diets have been formulated to meet all of the dog’s nutritional requirements.

Owner Responsibilities:
The owner is responsible for scheduling appointments with the clinical trials coordinator and keeping those appointments as required by study protocol. Owners must collect stool samples over a 24 hour period for 5 days on specific days of the 28 day study. They will be required to measure food daily and record how much the dog eats, and will need to make sure that the dog eats only the test diet provided. Owners will also need to observe their dog to make sure that no discomfort arises from the change in diet, and if it does, contact us immediately.

Financial Incentives:
A $50.00 credit will be applied to the owner’s account that may be used for any services or products at CSU Veterinary Teaching Hospital. In addition, costs associated with the study and administration of the test diet will be paid for by the clinical trial. These costs include the cost of the dog food, the exam fee, blood work, and fecal and urine analysis.

If you have further questions about any of our clinical trials, please complete an online consult request form below or call or Oncology Clinical Coordinator at (970) 297-4068.