FEHI - Feline SEHI for OA
Kelly Bergsrud, CVT
Research Study Technician Specialist
[email protected]
612-624-9597
Study title
Towards a new treatment for feline osteoarthritis: Soluble epoxide hydrolase inhibition
Purpose of study
The objective of this study is to evaluate whether a new painkiller is able to provide pain relief in cats with arthritis, a type of joint inflammation that causes pain and is highly common in cats.
Eligibility criteria
To enroll in the study, cats must:
- Be indoor only
- Be experiencing noticeable specific mobility problems
- Have confirmed evidence of arthritis and decreased muscle mass on x-rays
- Considered healthy or with a co-morbidity that is clinically well-controlled as indicated by medical history, physical and laboratory exams
- Not be pregnant
- Discontinue any anti-inflammatory or other medication for at least one week before enrollment - Ok to be on prescription diet or nutritional supplement if has been receiving for at least 3 months prior to study enrollment
- Have a stable daily living environment for the 4 week duration of the study (i.e., no moving, vacation, introduction of new pets or people into the household, etc.)
- Receive oral medication without difficulty/stress
Procedures
If you agree to be in this study, your cat will first have a screening appointment which includes medical history and physical examination. We will confirm that your cat has lameness or disability from arthritis and has joint pain through an orthopedic exam. We will confirm the diagnosis of arthritis with X-rays which may require sedation. You will be given a separate form to sign for this possibility.
Cats which pass the screening and enroll in the study will receive the new painkiller (EC1728) orally twice per day or placebo during weeks 2 and 4. The medication will be given to the cat in the morning and in the evening. Each cat will begin wearing a pedometer attached to a neck collar on week 1. The cat will then receive EC1728 or placebo in random order on week 2 and then cross over to the other treatment on week 4. No medications will be given on weeks 1 and 3. Owners will be unaware of the treatment being administered on weeks 2 and 4 and will evaluate changes in their cat's ability to move on a weekly basis with the use of questionnaire designed specifically for their own cat. The pedometer or activity monitor will measure their activity level at home. These parameters will be compared using statistical methods.
Costs
The visits, tests and medications described above will be paid for by the study. Owners will be financially responsible for any unforeseen complications during the study, whether they are related to the study or not.