Chronic pancreatitis is a significant clinical problem in the Miniature Schnauzer. Currently there is no effective treatment for pancreatitis, and the management of this condition is based exclusively on supportive care. The purpose of this project is to study the possible effectiveness of a low fat diet in conjunction with a nutritional supplement in reducing the severity of chronic pancreatitis in Miniature Schnauzers, and improving their quality of life. This proprietary nutritional supplement used in this study has been found to significantly reduce the severity of pancreatitis in laboratory animals, thus holding promising results for both veterinary and human medicine.
Any purebred Miniature Schnauzer with a history of pancreatitis (e.g. compatible clinical signs in conjunction with increased cPLI or SpecPL concentrations, ultrasonography and/or histopathology) is eligible to participate. However, dogs that have a history of urolithiasis are not eligible to enroll.
The duration of this double-blinded, placebo-controlled study is 4 months. There will be two treatment periods during witch each dog will be receiving either a placebo (8 weeks) or the supplement (another 8 weeks) in generically labeled capsules. The treatment order of each dog will be randomly determined. In order to monitor the effect of the supplement, three blood samples are required: one before the study begins, one at the change over of treatments (after 8 weeks), and one at the end of the study (after another 8 weeks). All samples will be analyzed for CBC, serum chemistry profile, and markers for pancreatic disease (cPLI or SpecPL and cTLI).
The cost of all tests performed for monitoring pancreatitis, all shipping expenses as well as the cost of the supplements will be covered by the GI Lab for all participants of the study.
For further information, or if you have a patient that might be a candidate for this study, please contact the GI Lab at the following phone number or email address: (979)-458-3303, pxenoulis@cvm.tamu.edu
Dr. Panagiotis G. Xenoulis
