Canine Esophageal Stricture

Description: An esophageal stricture, a narrowing of the esophagus, may occur following damage to the esophageal lining, which may be caused by chronic vomiting, reaction to oral medications, after anesthetic procedures, or due to injury to the esophagus. Current standard treatment involves bougienage under anesthesia (dilation of the stricture with aid of a fiberoptic scope) to widen the stricture with increasing sizes of tubes. This approach often requires multiple treatments with mixed results

Eligibility: Participants with esophageal strictures for a clinical trial of a novel therapy treatment involving topical application with a medication called Mitomycin C

Financial Incentive: Once the diagnosis of an esophageal stricture has been made, funding will cover treatment, including esophagoscopy and topical treatment with Mitomycin C, and recheck examination by esophagoscopy with bougienage (dilation of the stricture)

Contact: Internal Medicine Service 919.513.6670

PCR Testing for Feline Tritrichomonas Foetus Infection

Description: T. Foetus is flagellated protozoal parasite that has been recently recognized as a prevalent cause of feline diarrhea and is common in cats from catteries and shelters. PCR is the most sensitive test of the infection and will detect organisms whether they are alive or dead. Samples will be submitted and tests will be run weekly and results sent by FAX.

Eligibility: Young cats and cats that have a history of catteries or shelter situations. Cats with a history of large-bowel diarrhea or diarrhea that gets better when you give antibiotics, but returns when you stop them. Also cats with a previous diagnosis of Giardia but not responding to treatment

Contact: Maria Coccaro, Research Technician 919.513.6365
* Samples should be sent to: Dr. Jody L. Gookin, NCSU College of Veterinary Medicine-Lab D117, 4700 Hillsborough Street, Raleigh, NC 27606