NC State University College of Veterinary Medicine is enrolling for a study to evaluate if gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding occurs more commonly in dogs (any mixed or pure bred dog) with chronic kidney disease (CKD) compared to healthy dogs. Dogs with CKD are commonly prescribed gastroprotectants, but these medications may be unwarranted and could be harmful. The goal of this study is to determine if dogs with CKD are more likely to have GI bleeding compared to healthy dogs using video capsule endoscopy (VCE), a safe and non-invasive way to evaluate the GI tract.

Participation

  • Dogs will be fasted the evening before and afternoon after capsule administration • Dogs will be administered an Alicam® video capsule endoscope (VCE)
  • The VCE will pass harmlessly in the dog’s stool, be collected by the owner, and be returned to NCSU

Study Benefits – Free

  • Free physical exam, blood work, urinalysis, urine culture, GI testing, fecal testing, and blood pressure measurements at screening appointment
  • Free video capsule endoscopy of the entire GI tract

Inclusion Criteria – In order to participate in this study all dogs:

  • Must be diagnosed with late stage chronic kidney disease (IRIS III or IV)

Creatinine > 2.9mg/dL on two separate occasions
Urine specific gravity <1.015 • Weight is > 6.5kgs (14lbs)

  • NOT have other systemic diseases (diabetes, hepatitis, GI disease)
  • NOT using drugs associated with GI bleeding (NSAID, steroid, clopidogrel)

This study is generously funded by the SCWTCA Endowment Inc. For more information contact: Dr. Kylie Grady at kmgrady@ncsu.edu