Researchers at WSU seek dogs for study
May 8—Washington State University researchers are recruiting dogs to study how commonly used veterinary drugs are metabolized.
The "drug optimized by genomics" study will hopefully determine the risk of adverse reactions to treatments including liver enzymes and the cytochrome P450, according to a WSU news release.
Like humans, canines display unique variations in enzymes that affect how their bodies break down and eliminate drugs. Some may process medications slowly, creating risks during routine procedures that use anesthesia when using pain medication.
But others metabolize drugs too quickly, rendering prescriptions ineffective, according to the news release.
Tania Perez, WSU veterinarian and assistant professor in the College of Veterinary Medicine, launched the study in 2019 and has 106 dogs enrolled. About 100 more canines between ages 1 and 12 years old and between 11 and 176 pounds, with no underlying medical conditions, are needed, according to the news release.
Any breed can be accepted, though researchers are especially interested in beagles. They're known to have differences compared to other breeds in breaking down medications, according to the news release.
Dogs enrolled in the study must be comfortable taking oral medications and hospital environments. A full day in the hospital is necessary for data collection, according to the news release.
The dogs will be given a combination of drugs that have been proven safe to determine how fast canine bodies can metabolize them. This will be done by measuring drug levels in their blood and urine, according to the news release.
Most dogs do not experience side effects, but some have nausea that subsides within a day or two, according to the news release.
Owners receive a $20 Amazon gift card for participation in the study, according to the news release.
Pearce can be reached at epearce@dnews.com.
