CLINICAL TRIAL re Metabolic Sydrome / Cushing's Disease

FOR THE HORSE OWNER / CARER

We are beginning a trial to evaluate the use of a feed supplement to control Metabolic Syndrome / Equine Cushing's Disease. Our preliminary results from animals at the Laminitis Clinic are very encouraging.

The trial is conducted through your own veterinary surgeon and poses no risk to your animal.

We pay for the laboratory fees to analyse two sets of blood samples taken, by your vet, at the beginning and end of the trial. We pay for the cost of the supplement during the 28 day trial period. You have to pay your vet's fees to visit and collect the samples. We give you, and your vet, a free gift for participating in the trial.

We will be measuring endogenous ACTH, cortisol, insulin, glucose, NEFA and triglycerides from the samples you submit. These should give us an excellent profile of your animals energy metabolism.

Dependant upon the results of the first blood sample we will let you know whether your animal is eligible for inclusion in the trial. If your animal's results indicate that it is developing Cushing's disease we will contact you and your vet to disucuss your options.

So your first step is to discuss the trial with your veterinary surgeon. If you both agree to participation then please ask your vet to contact us on 01249-890784. We will then send your vet the necessary paperwork.

click here to download the CONSENT FORM TO PARTICIPATE IN THE CLINICAL TRIAL

FOR THE VETERINARY SURGEON

Step 1.
The animal must have received no medication which would modulate Metabolic Syndrome or Equine Cushing's Disease for at least 30 days prior to starting the trial.
[NSAID's, Acepromazine are OK but not Metformin, Pergolide, Periactin or Vitex⁴ Equids].

Step 2.
The owner must have sent us a signed consent form in order to participate in the clinical trial and a cheque for £100.00, which will be refunded to them on our receipt of the "after" samples.

Step 3.
Upon receipt of the above we will send you a transport kit. Animals should not be tranquilized prior to sampling but the animal should be handled as quietly as practicable prior to and during sampling. Please follow the sampling instructions carefully then submit the frozen samples using the pre-paid postage kit. Please send the samples by recorded special delivery to arrive before 10 am the next day. Do not send samples on a Friday, keep them frozen until Monday!

Step 4.
When we have the results of the laboratory analyses we will send you both the results and enough product to complete the 28 day trial. We wish the horse/pony to continue throughout the trial period with its previous diet and lifestyle, unless you have good clinical reasons to suggest otherwise. [Generally, we prefer that all horses and ponies are fed Laminitis Trust Approved Feeds, Formula4 Feet supplement and weighed amounts of hay. We advise against feeding haylage of any description]

Step 5.
After 28 days on trial protocol please resample as in Step 3. We will request that the owners book the re sampling appointment with you as soon as their 28 day trial commences to ensure the animal is still receiving the product at the time of the second sample.

Step 6.
We will advise you of the second laboratory analyses and refund the owner's deposit after Liphook have received the second sample and we have received a completed clinical data sheet from the owner.

Robert A Eustace FRCVS