The Gastrointestinal Laboratory (GI Lab) plays an active role in the study of gastrointestinal disorders in dogs and cats. We also develop new diagnostic tests, and study new therapeutic strategies for groups of patients with gastrointestinal disease.
However, we could not do any of this work without your help. We are currently doing several retrospective studies that require clinical patient data. Thus, we may send you a short questionnaire about a specific patient of yours. Your help in filling out those questionnaires is greatly appreciated.
Please remember, we cannot give diagnostic or therapeutic advice to pet owners. Samples must be submitted to the laboratory via your primary care veterinarian.
Please see more detailed information about several studies for which we are enrolling patients, including contact details and eligibility requirements:
Canine chronic pancreatitis study
We are currently enrolling dogs with chronic pancreatitis in a study that aims to investigate the efficacy of prednisolone and cyclosporine as treatments for dogs with chronic pancreatitis.
EPIC study – Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency Control Study
The EPIC study is a project that is seeking to evaluate if a novel diet can be as effective as the use of pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy at management of EPI in dogs. We are currently enrolling dogs who have been diagnosed with EPI, receiving pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy (PERT), and have stable body weight.
CATPAD study – Evaluation of markers of pancreatic disease in cats before and after switching to a special diet for kidney disease or diabetes mellitus
The CATPAD study is a project that looks at cats’ pancreatic health and the possible association with diet. We are currently enrolling cats that are about to be switched to a commercially available therapeutic diet intended for cats with kidney disease or diabetes mellitus.
MCT study – Evaluation of anti-inflammatory and cytotoxic properties of acid suppressants on canine resectable mast cell tumors (MCTs)
Study aims are to evaluate blood and tissue cytokines, MCT viability, and quantifiable histamine (and/or histamine metabolites) before and after acid suppressant or placebo therapy in dogs with surgically resectable MCTs. Study includes a total of 3 visits (initial appointment, surgical resection of tumor, and one post-operative recheck) and will cover $1000 of the patient’s surgical bill at Texas A&M.
Medical management for gallbladder mucocele in dogs
This clinical trial aims 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. 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 blood work over a period of 1 year. Study visits are only at Texas A&M University or North Carolina State University.
The Drake Project – Investigation into prevalence, diagnostics, and treatment for Heterobilharzia americana (schistosomiasis) in dogs.
We are currently conducting prevalence studies in high-risk Labrador Retrievers who train, travel, or reside in Texas. This study was funded by the AKC Canine Health Foundation grant #03235 (KMA). We are investigating emerging outbreaks in new regions of the country (especially the lower Colorado River basin) and seek to better understand the epidemiology of this infection. We seek to optimize recommendations for intermittent fecal screening in high-risk populations, treatment, and repeat testing after treatment to determine that infection has resolved. We are investigating additional complications that occur in infected dogs including calcium, coagulation, liver, intestinal, and pancreatic disorders. Please reach out to us via email if you have an eligible patient or are interested in learning more at thedrakeproject@tamu.edu.
Probiotics for dogs and cats study
Our pets’ intestines harbor a complex ecosystem consisting of millions of microorganisms. When the population of microorganisms in our pet’s gut is disturbed, we call it dysbiosis. Intestinal dysbiosis is commonly observed after antibiotic treatment and in pets presenting gastrointestinal disorders, for example, chronic enteropathies. Our probiotic aims to help pets reestablish and maintain healthy intestines by providing a unique bacterium involved directly in the maintenance of intestinal health: Peptacetobacter hiranonis.
Other areas of on-going research:
- Short chain fatty acids in cats with exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI)
- Efficacy of low dose or low frequency cobalamin supplementation in cats with chronic enteropathy
- Investigation into the association between feline hepatocellular carcinoma and domestic cat hepadnavirus.
- Investigation into novel biomarkers for liver disease in dogs
- Investigation into coagulation abnormalities in dogs with liver disease
- Investigation into the role of dietary copper in copper-associated chronic hepatitis in dogs
- Investigation into alternative methods of diagnosis in dogs with copper-associated hepatitis in dogs
