talk to me about clinical trials

[boxofdelights]

My dog Aiko has arthritis in one elbow. He is seven. He has done alright for several years on Rimadyl, but he just started limping really badly, I think after chasing a raccoon out of the yard. His vet prescribed gabapentin, which has helped a lot. But while I was searching the web I found:

FREE CLINICAL TRIAL! Canine Osteoarthritis (Fort Collins)
[A local reputable] Animal Hospital is conducting a clinical drug trial on dogs with osteoarthritis. Dogs must be 1 year or older and have osteoarthritis of at least one joint. All breeds, sexes, and sizes accepted. Qualified candidates will receive exams, lab work, medication, and x-rays at NO CHARGE and will receive a hospital credit of $300 for completion of this 112 day study to use toward any additional service. For more information and to see if your pet qualifies, please call us at

Could this be a good thing for Aiko? I care a little about advancing medical science for all dogs, but not nearly as much as I care about Aiko.

Comments

[jinian]

It could be good, but of course they're going to need to have a control group in which they don't do whatever new thing they're testing. You can ask them whether they're testing the new thing against placebo or against best available treatment, though; you have a right to know that.

[giandujakiss]

Sounds like you should inquire about what's involved, and the risks to Aiko.

[sasha_feather]

Sounds like it could be good-- read over the consent form and see.

I've heard good things about Glucosamine supplements also.

[buymeaclue]

Lots of variability. Is he doing well on his current regimen? Is there reason to think you'd gain useful information from further diagnosistics? If yes and no respectively (and since his comfort is your top priority by far), I would probably pass. If no and/or yes, then might inquire.