Clinical Trials

Submitted protocols are reviewed by both the Clinical Protocol Review Committee (LSU SVM Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences) and LSU’s Institutional Animal and Care Use Committee (IACUC) with the intent to ensure that welfare and confidentiality matters are observed. These reviews are patterned on  “Good Clinical Practices” for conduct of clinical trials in human medicine. 

FURTHER INFORMATION ON GOOD CLINICAL PRACTICES

Join the Journey: Help Advance Research for Healthier Dogs Worldwide!

The association between chronic passive lead and cadmium exposure and atopic dermatitis in dogs – a preliminary study.

Heavy metals are present throughout the ecosystem. Heavy metal exposure is associated with a wide variety of health effects in humans and nowadays has become an important health concern. In humans, allergies have been associated with heavy metal exposure. Canine and human allergies share many similarities; therefore, the goal of our study is to see if there is an association between heavy metals exposure and skin allergies in dogs.
We are seeking healthy (non-allergic) dog participants. Sampling is not painful and does not require sedation. At the visit, swab samples will be taken from various areas on the body. As well as 2 teaspoons of blood.

Thank you for helping advance research that will improve the lives of dogs worldwide!

  • Healthy dogs with no signs of skin allergies or ear infection, or active/ malignant tumors
  • One dog per household

If you are interested in participating, please contact Dr. McInnis and Dr. Apostolopoulos at navdlab@lsu.edu 

This trial consists of chemotherapy treatment for non-metastatic squamous cell carcinoma in dogs.

Typically, chemotherapy drugs are administered intravenously meaning the drug circulates throughout the entire system. Our research aims to determine the clinical response of intra-tumor injection of the chemotherapy agent, that is aimed at delivering the drug directly to the tumor(s).

The dog has been diagnosed cytologically or histologically with squamous cell carcinoma.

  • The dog has at least one lesion measuring greater than 1cm.
  • The dog has no evidence of metastasis based on thoracic radiographs and cytological

evaluation of local lymph nodes, and any palpably enlarged lymph nodes.

  • The dog weighs ≥5 kg.
  • The dog is not intended for breeding, and is not pregnant or lactating.
  • The dog has not received prior treatment with radiation, immunotherapy, or chemotherapy for cancer.
  • The dog has had no invasive surgical procedures within 14 days before screening.

Dogs will need to be brought in a total of 11 times over 4 months. Visits will be weekly for the first two weeks, followed by bi-weekly visits for the duration of the study.

  • There will be a physical examination at each visit.
  • Clinical pathology samples will be collected for CBC, serum chemistry and urinalysis at
  • Screening and at every visit after Day 0 for submission to a central laboratory (at Day 7, samples will be collected for CBC only).
  • Tumors will be measured at all visits except at Day 7.
  • Tumor photos will be collected at Day 0, Day 42, and Day 84.
  • Thoracic radiographs will be completed at Screening, Day 84, and Day 112.
  • Fine needle aspiration (FNA) of the Lymph Node and cytological assessment is required at screening and Day 84.
  • Free Treatment
  • $400 gift card upon study completion

Dr. Autumn Dutelle adutelle@lsu.edu

Dr. Levent Dirikolu ldirikolu@lsu.edu

Center for Clinical Innovation lsucci@lsu.edu 


This trial consists of osteopathic treatments combined with DA2P (distemper, adenovirus type-2, and parvovirus) vaccine.

Osteopathy is a holistic and manual therapy that aims to rebalance all structures in the body, making it more efficient. It is a very popular preventive and palliative therapy for humans and animals in Europe. 

Our research aims to determine if osteopathic manipulation can boost the puppies’ specific defense when combined with classic administration of DA2P vaccine.

  • Unvaccinated puppies aged 8 weeks
  • Not receiving other medical treatment
  • Absence of metabolic disease (bloodwork will be run at the first visit)

Puppies will need to be brought in every 3 weeks for vaccine boosters and one last visit 4 weeks after the last vaccine for a total of 5 visits over 91 days.

  • Free bloodwork
  • Free vaccines
  • Free osteopathic treatments

Nancy Welborn, DVM (LSU 1990), Associate Professor of Community Practice

EMAIL DR. WELBORN

Anais Musso, AO, Clinical Instructor of Animal Osteopathy

EMAIL MS. MUSSO