Clinical Trial in Small Animal Orthopedics Launches
A new clinical trial has recently launched in Small Animal Orthopedics at the Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital. The purpose of the trial is to compare the clinical outcome and complication rates of two commonly performed extra-articular surgical treatments for cruciate ligament (CCL) injury in dogs. Both of these procedures are currently in use throughout the country and world; however, to date, the effectiveness of the two procedures has not been compared head-to-head in a prospective, randomized, clinical trial. This is an exciting trial that, upon completion, will allow veterinarians to make specific treatment recommendations for their patients.
This trial should be of great interest to anyone with a dog that is diagnosed with a CCL rupture and who is interested in surgical treatment. To be eligible for the study, dogs must be:
- 15 months of age or older
- Between 20 and 65 pounds—no compromise on the body weight
- Diagnosed with unilateral CCL rupture
- Available to return for re-check exams at six weeks, six months, and one year after surgery
Dogs with moderate to severe hip dysplasia and arthritis, or dogs that have any other health issues that prevent general anesthesia for surgery and sedated re-check exams are not eligible for enrollment.
Benefits of enrollment:
- Arthroscopic inspection and treatment of intra-articular injured tissues (cruciate ligament and meniscus) using minimally invasive joint surgery
- Surgery performed by one of two board-certified faculty orthopedic surgeons with extensive experience
- A cost of only approximately $1300—normally $2800-3500—at the time of study completion.
- Follow-up exams at six weeks, six months, and one year by a board-certified surgeon
- Objective assessment of surgical outcome using 3D gait and force plate analysis, joint fluid analysis and biomarkers, and radiographs
For additional information on this Small Animal Orthopedics clinical trial, email Dr. Brian Saunders at BSaunders@cvm.tamu.edu or Ms. Sarah Kronberger at skronberger@cvm.tamu.edu.
