Clinical Research in Orthopaedics
Labrador Retrievers Needed For Genome-Wide Association Study of Non-contact Cruciate Rupture
The Small Animal Orthopaedic Service is looking for PUREBRED Labrador Retrievers 8 years old or older with no history of cruciate rupture and PUREBRED Labradors of any age that are affected with cruciate rupture. Pedigree information must be available for this study. If the dog qualifies for entry into the study, we will obtain the following:
- Blood sample
- Standing radiographs (x-rays) of both stifle joints. This technique DOES NOT REQUIRE SEDATION, and is very quick. The dog will be in a natural standing position while we obtain the images
- Short questionnaire completed by the client pertaining to their dog’s lifestyle
There are no costs associated with this evaluation. Study dogs must NOT be closely related to other study dogs. Enrolled dogs will receive a free clinical examination and radiographic assessment through the Small Animal Orthopaedic Service at UW Veterinary Care, University of Wisconsin-Madison. Participation in this study will contribute to development of a genetic test for non-contact cruciate rupture in the dog.
For more information, please contact:
Lauren Baker iwicki@wisc.edu; Susannah Sample samples@vetmed.wisc.edu; Gerianne Holzman holzmang@vetmed.wisc.edu; Peter Muir muirp@vetmed.wisc.edu
This study is looking at genetic predisposition to cruciate rupture in Labrador Retrievers using genomic sequencing. This work is expected to lead to development of a genetic test for cruciate rupture. This study is supported by the Morris Animal Foundation, the Marjorie Siebert Aylen Foundation, and the National Labrador Retriever Club.
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) as a Regenerative Medicine Treatment for Dogs with Non-contact Cruciate Rupture
The Small Animal Orthopaedic Service is looking for medium to large breed dogs with unilateral non-contact cruciate rupture to participate in a trial evaluating a regenerative medicine treatment with platelet-rich plasma (PRP) as a preventative treatment for early disease and stable partial cruciate rupture. At the time to tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO) treatment of the knee with cruciate rupture, the contralateral second knee with stable partial cruciate rupture will be treated with PRP. It is anticipated that this treatment will reduce joint inflammation and promote healing of the cruciate ligament complex. If the dog qualifies for entry into the study, we will obtain the following:
- Radiographs and MRI images of the knees
- Blood samples
- Tissue biopsies from both knees at the time of surgical treatment
Recheck visits will be set up at 10 weeks and 12 months after surgery for additional imaging of the knees.
For dogs enrolled in the study, free MRI images of the knees will be made at the Small Animal Orthopaedic Service at UW Veterinary Care, University of Wisconsin-Madison. In addition, all dogs will receive the regenerative medicine treatment. Treatment costs for TPLO will be subsidized. This trial is actively enrolling patients.
For more information, please contact:
Molly Racette racette@wisc.edu; Susannah Sample samples@vetmed.wisc.edu; Gerianne Holzman holzmang@vetmed.wisc.edu; Jason Bleedorn jbleedorn@vetmed.wisc.edu, Peter Muir muirp@vetmed.wisc.edu
If this trial demonstrates that the PRP regenerative medicine treatment is effective, we anticipate that this treatment will be offered routinely through UW Veterinary Care. This trial is supported by the American Kennel Club Canine Health Foundation.
Stem Cell Treatment for Dogs with Non-contact Cruciate Rupture
The Small Animal Orthopaedic Service is looking for medium to large breed dogs with unilateral non-contact cruciate rupture to participate in a trial evaluating use of autologous stem cell treatment as a disease-modifying treatment for early disease and stable partial cruciate rupture. At the time of tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO) treatment of the knee with cruciate rupture, bone marrow will be aspirated from the adjacent thigh bone. Mesenchymal stem cells will isolated and cultured. Treatment with stem cells will be given at a follow-up visit 8 weeks after surgery. It is anticipated that this treatment will reduce joint inflammation and promote healing of the cruciate ligament complex. If the dog qualifies for entry into the study, we will obtain the following:
- Radiographs of the knees
- Blood samples
- Bone marrow aspirate under general anesthesia during TPLO surgery
Recheck visits will be set up at 8 weeks and 12 months after surgery.
For dogs enrolled in the study, free stem cell treatment will be given by the Small Animal Orthopaedic Service at UW Veterinary Care, University of Wisconsin-Madison. Treatment costs for TPLO will be subsidized. It is anticipated that this trial will begin enrolling patients in June 2013.
For more information, please contact:
Molly Racette racette@wisc.edu; Susannah Sample samples@vetmed.wisc.edu; Gerianne Holzman holzmang@vetmed.wisc.edu; Jason Bleedorn jbleedorn@vetmed.wisc.edu, Peter Muir muirp@vetmed.wisc.edu
If this trial demonstrates that treatment with bone marrow-derived autologous stem cells is an effective disease-modifying treatment for non-contact cruciate rupture, we anticipate that this treatment will be offered routinely through UW Veterinary Care. This trial is supported by the Veterinary Orthopaedic Society.
Horses needed for study of superficial digital flexor tendon problems and suspensory ligament problems.
The Large Animal Surgery Service is looking for horses of all breeds with superficial digital flexor tendon problems or suspensory ligament problems. We are enrolling horses in two clinical trials:
1) Clinical trial investigating a new ultrasound technique to aid in the rehabilitation of tendons in the horse.
2) Clinical trial investigating genome-wide association with certain tendon injuries in the horse.
We will obtain the following:
- Blood sample (10 ml in EDTA tube)
- Ultrasound examination of the affected tendon/ligament as well as the contralateral limb
For more information or to determine if you horse is eligible for any of these studies, please contact Dr. Sabrina Brounts at (608)-263-7600 or brounts@vetmed.wisc.edu.