To date, we have screened (comprehensive physical examinations, bloodwork, and fecal analysis) 51 dogs for the SLIM study. Of these, 31 have met the inclusion criteria and were enrolled. Of these enrolled dogs, 23 dogs have completed the 24-week clinical trial and 2 dogs are currently enrolled (see Figure 1). Unfortunately, 6 dogs were removed from the study early with the most common reason related to administration of antimicrobials needed for underlying health conditions including dog bite wounds, urinary tract infections, and surgical procedures. Based on recalculating our power analysis for sample size estimation, out current samples size (n=25) is sufficient to find a significant difference in weight loss between the treatment groups. Therefore, we are not planning to recruit any additional dogs for the SLIM study. All currently enrolled dogs will finish the study in October 2022 and then we can enter the analysis phase of this clinical trial.
The most rewarding part of this clinical trial is that all dogs are achieving their weight loss goals, despite their treatment group. Our patients’ owners are thrilled with how their pets are progressing in their weight loss goals and are greatly appreciative for the improvement in their pets’ quality of life since completing the SLIM study. For example, over the 24-week SLIM study, Pax’s achieved a total weight loss of 23% of his body weight (see Figure 2). His body condition score (BCS) improved from 8/9 to 5/9 during the SLIM study. His owners’ report a marked improvement in his energy and actively levels since completing the SLIM study. Our institution continues posting social media stories about our patients’ weight loss journeys.
