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Hypertension in Cats with Chronic Kidney Disease
The Veterinary Clinical Investigations Center at the University of Pennsylvania is currently recruiting cats diagnosed with chronic kidney disease to participate in a clinical study evaluating the effectiveness of an investigational medication, telmisartan, on high blood pressure. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of telmisartan, in reducing hypertension (high blood pressure) caused by chronic kidney disease. Uncontrolled high blood pressure in cats can lead to organ damage, in some cases the eyes, brain, kidneys and cardiovascular system may be affected. Telmisartan is licensed to treat high blood pressure in people, but has not been widely used in cats. A small safety study in cats has shown that the medication is generally well tolerated, with no severe side effects.
The study will last for five days for your cat (once your cat has been confirmed eligible to participate), during which time your cat will receive the oral medication once a day and have his or her blood pressure measured daily. Additionally, blood and urine samples will be evaluated at the beginning and the end of the study. Your cat must remain in the hospital for at least the first three nights of the study, but it is preferable if he or she remains in the hospital for all five days (four nights). If you choose to take your cat home after three nights, you must be able to bring the cat back on the last day of the study for 2-3 hours.
- Physical examinations performed by a veterinarian board certified in internal medicine
- Blood and urine evaluations for general health
- Regular non-invasive blood pressure measurements
- $300 American Express gift card for completing the study
Eligibility:
Cats who are otherwise in good health that have been diagnosed with chronic kidney disease are eligible to be screened for the study. During the screening visit, blood pressure measurements and blood and urine tests will be performed to confirm eligibility.
There is no cost to participate in this study. All study procedures, hospitalization, diagnostic tests and medication are covered by the study, including those procedures performed during the screening visit (even if the cat is not eligible).
For more information about this study, please contact the VCIC at 215.573.0302 or vcic@vet.upenn.edu