Post date: May 23, 2011 8:3:14 PM
Dr. Nicolas Granger at the Cambridge University Vet School has written to us asking for potential dogs to include in his latest research programme...
We have started a new research program in which we are treating paralysed dogs' incontinence. We have been awarded money to treat ten dogs and we have already treated 4 dogs. We are basically looking for paraplegic dogs who have not recovered urinary continence; so anytime from a few months post injury (disc herniation or trauma to the spinal cord), any age or any breed - there is little restrictions for this program, but the lesion has to be between T3 and L3).
We are implanting a little electrode along the nerves going to the bladder and this allows us to control with a remote (given to the owner) the emptying of the bladder. This is not really a 'clinical trial' but more a 'first time in dogs' as all included dogs are receiving an implant. We are just demonstrating that it is feasible in dogs as it has been done for paraplegic human patients for 20 years now (so not new for humans, but new for dogs!). The results so far are very good and the system does restore almost normal continence (controlled by the owner). The massive advantage is that it keeps the bladder empty, no need for manual bladder expression or catheterisation and in the long run should prevent bladder infections and associated complications such as kidney failure.
Regarding the previous cell therapy trial, I am currently analysing the results of the trial, so it is difficult to say more for now. But we have recruited 36 dogs. As soon as I have more information, I will forward them to you.
If you have a Dachshund that could participate in Dr Granger's trial to improve bladder control in cases of spinal trauma you can contact him here. ng311@cam.ac.uk