What is a Clinical Trial?

A clinical trial is a study conducted in any medicine specialty to help evaluate novel therapies or treatments for diseases. Clinical research trials allow for new drugs and procedures to be evaluated in patients with the disease for which the new treatment is intended. These new discoveries may lead to treatments with less side effects and/or improved efficacy.

An eligible pet is only entered into a clinical trial with informed owner consent.

What are the benefits of participating in a clinical trial?

Clinical trials at the VHC provide patients access to advanced, state-of-the diagnostics and therapeutics that would not be otherwise available. Treatments and/or diagnostics associated with a trial are often paid for by study funds. Some studies may also provide additional financial incentives that can be utilized after study completion. Furthermore, your contribution to our clinical trials will potentially benefit animals and/or humans in the future.

What should I know about being a part of a clinical trial?

When you elect to enroll your eligible pet into a clinical trial, you are making a commitment to adhere to the study protocol requirements, and to return to the VHC when required for study visits. Your compliance, as the owner and advocate for your pet, is in the best interest of your pet and is vital to the generation of valid study results. Always provide complete information about any changes in your pet’s health and activities. Do not give your pet any medication, even over-the counter medication, without first consulting with your VHC specialist. Owners of enrolled patients often find it useful to keep a daily log of their pet’s activities and overall well-being. Some studies require a log be kept, recording when study medications are given.

What is covered financially by a clinical trial?

Each clinical trial varies on what costs are covered by study funds. Some trials provide a financial credit at the VHC towards additional treatments once the study is complete. Please visit a specific clinical trial page to see what is covered by that specific study.

What if my pet is enrolled in a clinical trial and I decide that I don’t want to participate any further?

You may decide to withdraw your pet from a clinical trial at any time. You will not be penalized for withdrawal, and you will not be required to pay for any treatment that the study has already covered. You will, however, be responsible for the costs of any further treatment pursued after withdrawal from a trial.

Can you determine if my pet will be eligible for a clinical trial before I come to the VHC?

No, your pet must be evaluated at KSU VHC before we can confirm eligibility for a trial. We can sometimes determine that your pet is not eligible for a trial before coming to the VHC, based on the diagnostics performed by your veterinarian.

How do I enroll my pet in to a clinical trial at KSU VHC?

Please visit our website with a list of our currently enrolling trials here . If you believe that your pet may be eligible for a study, please contact us directly or have your veterinarian contact us for more information.