Clinical trial for new drug for arthritis pain--you get paid!

Attention all owners of cats with arthritis (osteoarthritis or degenerative joint disease...or just older cats who don't get around like they used to)!

The Columbia Cat Clinic is participating in a clinical trial for a new drug for arthritis pain in cats. The company testing this drug is one of the largest manufacturers of veterinary medical products, and is widely recognized for its ethical approach to research and business.

The drug is a new non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). The veterinary profession really needs good NSAIDs that are safe for cats, and we are proud to contribute to this research.

We are enrolling patients in the study right now. If your cat has moderate to severe changes in how he or she walks, runs, jumps, or otherwise moves around, he or she may be a candidate for the study. The drug company will pay for your cat to be examined and have X-rays and bloodwork performed. If the X-rays show definite changes in the elbows, knees, hips, or spine that are consistent with osteoarthritis, and if the bloodwork shows no abnormalities that may cause your cat to be at risk trying out a new drug, then he or she may be included in the study.

Even if your cat is not found to be a good candidate for the study, the drug company will pay for all the diagnostic tests mentioned above.

If your cat is enrolled, you will be asked to give him or her oral medication once a day, and keep a diary every day for a month where you record any changes in pain level and mobility. This study is a double-blinded study, which means you may be given the test drug, or you may be given a placebo. You will not be allowed to know whether you have test drug or placebo, and neither will I (the investigating veterinarian).

After a month you will be asked a few more questions, we will run a little more bloodwork, and you will be PAID $200 for your help in the study. You will only be paid this $200 bonus if your cat completes the trial and you fulfill all requirements of the follow-up visits, the administration of the medication, and the keeping of the diary.

If you are interested in learning more about this study, or if you would like to find out if your cat may be a candidate, please call us at the Columbia Cat Clinic at (803) 254-2600. Ask to speak to Alice or to me, Dr. Leigh Sheridan.

I look forward to evaluating your cat soon!