Tanya's Comprehensive Guide to Feline Chronic Kidney Disease

It is possible to participate in research studies, both to help your cat and to help other CKD cats who should benefit from the research findings.
With some studies, you will need to attend the research facility, normally one of the main US vet schools. However, distance participation is possible with some of the studies.

Studies Where Attendance is Necessary Back to Page Index

Essential Fatty Acids Study - Colorado State University

The Veterinary Teaching Hospital at Colorado State University is seeking volunteers for an essential fatty acids study. The goal of the study is to examine the fatty acid content of a cat's diet and correlate this to oxidative parameters that are measured in a blood sample.

They are offering free tests (complete blood count, chemistry, urinalysis and culture, urine protein:creatinine ratio, thyroid level, and blood pressure) to any cat with stable chronic renal disease. All you need to do is go to Colorado State University for an appointment, give a three day diet history, and provide a canned and dry diet sample if your cat does not eat a commercial kidney diet (Hill's k/d, Purina NF etc).

Unfortunately your cat will not be eligible to participate if s/he has a kidney or bladder infection, cancer, has tested positive for FeLV/FIV or is on steroid therapy.

If you are interested, please call 970-297-5000 and say that you would like to schedule an appointment for Dr. Quimby's EFA study.

Urine Culture Techniques Study - Colorado State University

The Veterinary Teaching Hospital at Colorado State University is seeking volunteers for a study into the diagnosis of pyelonephritis. The study will compare a new urine test to standard tests to see if the new test might more accurately diagnose the infection.

Cats with pyelonephritis or a urinary tract infection are eligible to participate, as are cats with suspected pyelonephritis. but cats who have previously been given antibiotics are not eligible. The laboratory tests required for the study and a kidney ultrasound will be provided free of charge.

If you wish to participate, please call 970-297-5000 and say that you would like to schedule an appointment for Dr. Quimby's urine culture techniques study.

Stem Cell Therapy

There are two participation opportunities, as follows:

Stem Cell Therapy - Colorado State University

Cats with stable chronic kidney disease can participate in this stem cell study. Cats will receive three IV injections of stem cells over several visits to the veterinarian while their kidney function is monitored.

Cats with some other illnesses or heart disease, kidney infection, stones or other renal complications cannot be enrolled in this study.

This study involves five visits to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital, so cats that become agitated during veterinary visits are not ideal.

All visits, lab work needed for the study, stem cell treatments and a $200 stipend for the owner’s expenses are paid for by CSU’s Frankie’s Fund for Feline Stem Cell Research and the Morris Animal Foundation.

If you wish to participate, please call 970-297-5000 and say that you would like to schedule an appointment for Dr. Quimby's stem cell therapy study.

Stem Cell Therapy - Animal Medical Center, NYC

Animal Medical Center is offering free stem cell treatment and three years long term management for qualifying cats.

The cat needs to be in IRIS Stage 3 (i.e. creatinine level between 2.9 and 5.0) and must have a negative urine culture. The cat must have no history of stones or any other illness, although hypertension or proteinuria are acceptable.

The stem cells will be obtained and grown from the cat's own fat, and will be transplanted into the cat's renal artery via the femoral artery. This procedure will be repeated 2.5 weeks later. Follow up care will be available free of charge for three years. Only approved treatments and supplements may be used during this period.

Telmisartan for Hypertension - University of Pennsylvania

The University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine is seeking volunteers to take part in a study to evaluate the efficacy of a medication called telmisartan (Micardis) for controlling hypertension in CKD cats. This medication has been used in humans, but has not been widely used in cats, although one small safety study found it appeared to be generally safe. Drugs has some information about the use of this drug in humans, as does Patient UK.

Cats with CKD who are otherwise in good health are eligible. The study will last for five days, and you must be able to go to Penn because your cat needs to be an in-patient for at least the first three nights of the study, but preferably all five days (four nights). All testing will be free, plus you will be given a US$300 American Express gift card for completing the study.

Penn Veterinary Clinical Investigation Center has more information about the study, including contact details.

Studies Which Do Not Require Attendance Back to Page Index

Maropitant (Cerenia) for Nausea and Vomiting

The Veterinary Teaching Hospital at Colorado State University is seeking volunteers for a study into the use of maropitant for the treatment of nausea and vomiting in cats with CKD.

Cats that have been diagnosed with stable chronic kidney disease and who have a “picky” appetite, nausea or vomiting, are potentially eligible for entry into this study. Cats with other illnesses may not be eligible.

The cat will be given a complimentary physical exam and chemistry panel at the beginning of the study. The study involves giving cats either maropitant or a placebo daily for two weeks. After two weeks, the cat will receive a second complimentary physical exam and complimentary blood tests (blood chemistry panel). During the study, the owner will be asked to fill out a daily diary of the cat’s behavior and other details.

Owners receive complimentary veterinary visits and chemistry tests; a $100 stipend is offered to the participating veterinarian per cat enrolled to cover these costs.

If you wish to participate, please contact Dr Jessica Quimby on 970-297-5000 or at jquimby@colostate.edu.

Mirtazapine (Appetite Stimulant)

Colorado State University College of Veterinary Medicine is seeking participants for a study into the use of mirtazapine (see above) as an appetite stimulant. The study is a placebo-controlled double blind study where your cat will receive either mirtazapine or a placebo every other day for three weeks, and then cross over to the other group for an additional three weeks.

Your cat must have a creatinine level between 2.0 and 5.0 mg/dl. Cats with a kidney infection or other uncontrolled systemic diseases such as diabetes, IBD or cancer are not eligible for the study.

A vet visit is necessary at the beginning, middle and end of the study and all visits and labwork will be paid for at no cost to participants. These visits may be with your own vet, there is no need to attend Colorado State University. You will need to record home observations regarding your cat's appetite and attitude. As additional compensation, your cat will receive free Purina kidney diet for six months (Purina are sponsoring the study) and a two-month mirtazapine supply.

If you wish to participate, please contact Dr Jessica Quimby on 970-297-5000 or at jquimby@colostate.edu. She will need to know recent blood test and blood pressure results. Before entering the study, your cat must also have a urine culture and a T4 test (for hyperthyroidism), which will be at CSU's expense.

The Veterinary Information Network has more information about the study.

Vitamin E Supplementation (Antioxidant)

Cats with stable chronic kidney disease, particularly those who are anaemic, are ideal for this study run by the Veterinary Teaching Hospital at Colorado State University, which is looking at whether vitamin E supplements can improve the cat’s antioxidant status and, if applicable, anaemia. Cats who are not anaemic will also be considered for the study.

Cats from around the country can be enrolled by their owner and vet. Cats will receive some initial laboratory work and then be given either a placebo or a small amount of liquid vitamin E supplements once a day for three months. At one and two months, cats will need a brief recheck at the veterinarian, and at the third month, a recheck and additional tests will be performed.

Cats with other illnesses or those undergoing ESA therapy cannot be enrolled in this study.

Owners will receive a complimentary laboratory screening needed for the study, recheck lab work and all recheck visits.

If you wish to participate, please contact Dr Jessica Quimby on 970-297-5000 or at jquimby@colostate.edu.

Free Private Cremation

The Veterinary Teaching Hospital at Colorado State University is researching something called cell senescence. In order to do this, the researchers need to obtain kidney samples from deceased cats. The ashes of the deceased cat would be returned to owners within about a week.

The kidney samples would also help with studies into whether nausea and lack of appetite in cats with renal failure is caused by a specific condition, and to better understand the stages of renal disease.

If you wish to assist, please contact Dr Jessica Quimby on 970-297-5000 or at jquimby@colostate.edu.

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This page last updated: 01 February 2012

Links on this page last checked: 22 October 2011