Analyzing Drug to Treat Spinal Cord Injuries

Morris Animal Foundation–Funded Clinical Trial

D09CA-038, North Carolina State University, Dr. Natasha Olby

Patients Needed: We are seeking patients who have suffered a thoracolumbar spinal cord injury at least 6 months prior to enrollment and have severe chronic gait deficits with a limited ability to bear weight. Any ongoing urinary tract infection should be treated before enrollment.

Procedure Performed: The aim of the study is to evaluate the effectiveness of a drug to help restore conductivity in damaged axons and so improve motor function in the hind limbs. Patients will come every week for 12 weeks and will be videotaped walking on the treadmill and in the open field. A neurologic examination will be videotaped as well at each recheck. Weeks 1 to 4 are assessment of baseline function; during weeks 5 to 8, the drug or placebo is dispensed; weeks 9 to 12 are a washout period to determine whether the drug has a long-term effect. Each dog's gait will be scored from the videos, and when the study is complete, the dogs that received placebo will be compared with the dogs that received the drug.

Incentive: Participants will receive the test drug/placebo at no cost for them and will be rechecked once a week for 12 weeks free of charge. Also, a urine culture will be performed once a month at no cost to the owners.

Study Outline: Acute spinal cord injuries, such as those caused by disc herniations, car accidents, dog fights and gunshots, frequently lead to permanent neurological problems in dogs. While dogs often recover from mild injuries, more severe injuries can cause permanent paralysis. Following spinal cord injury, nervous tissue left at the site of the injury becomes dysfunctional, even though it may still be intact. Research has shown that blocking potassium channels can restore the ability of this damaged tissue to conduct nerve impulses, which improves neurological function. This study will evaluate whether a novel drug that blocks potassium channels improves recovery of hind limb function in dogs with spinal cord injuries. If effective, this drug will be a powerful aid in rehabilitating dogs with spinal cord injuries.

Contact Details:

Dr. Natasha Olby
College of Veterinary Medicine, NCSU
4700 Hillsborough St.,
Raleigh, NC 27606
E-mail: natasha_olby@ncsu.edu
919.513.6692

Study Web page: http://cvm.ncsu.edu/vth/clinical_services/neuro/tboc_4ap_paraparetic_dogs.html