Development of point-of-care immunoassays for assessment of gastrointestinal function in healthy and disease dogs

Species: 
Dog
Area of Study: 
Internal Medicine

Purpose of Study: 

Serum folate, serum cobalamin, and canine pancreatic lipase immunoreactivity (cPLI) are well established and useful markers for

diagnosis and treatment of small intestinal and pancreatic disorders in dogs but require analysis at specialized commercial labs across the US.

This potentially delays recognition and treatment of these underlying diseases by veterinary clinicians. 

In this study, we aim to develop rapid point-of-care (POC) immunoassays for 3 blood analytes as biomarkers of gastrointestinal function.

Eligibility: 

1. Dogs have ongoing gastric and intestinal symptoms over three weeks such as vomiting, diarrhea, regurgitation, poor appetite, or body weight decrease.

2. Dogs are healthy without any systemic disease and medication currently. 

Client Responsibilities: 

If you agree to have your animal participate in this study, it will last one visit at the Lloyd Veterinary Medical Center for one time blood collection. 

Client Benefits: 

There is no cost to you for your animal's participation in this study.

You will be responsible for any costs associated with the normal course of treatment, the treatment of any complications that may arise, and unrelated medical conditions.

You will not be compensated for your animal’s participation in this study.

However, as part of the study, we will gain additional diagnostic information about your dog from a free gold standard analysis

of the 3 analyses at the /texas A&M GI laboratory. These results will be communicated directly to you.

Contact: 

You are encouraged to ask questions at any time during this study.

For further information about the study, contact Dr. Al Jergens at 515-294-4900