When we talk about clinical trials, we often think of breakthroughs in human medicine, but their role in animal health is just as vital. At Humanimal Trust, we believe that advancing healthcare for both people and animals depends on bringing these worlds closer together. Aligning approaches across human and veterinary research not only improves outcomes for animal patients, but also deepens our shared understanding of disease, treatment, and care.
Alex, our Finance and Administration manager experienced first hand the value of veterinary clinical trials when her dog Albi became unwell, and his story highlights why clinical trials in animal medicine matter so much. They don’t just provide access to innovative treatments, they help build the evidence base that can benefit future patients across species. And as we work towards a more joined-up approach to research, stories like his remind us what’s at stake, and what’s possible.
Albi’s story
Alex shared: “Within the first three months of Albi joining our home in 2020, we were faced with a series of worrying health issues. He was diagnosed with campylobacter, cryptosporidium, salmonella, and giardia – leading to countless vet visits and many sleepless nights filled with concern.
Even after testing negative for all of these infections, Albi continued to suffer from severe sickness and diarrhoea. We tried everything we could: single-protein diets, specialised gut-health food, and carefully managed feeding plans, but nothing seemed to bring lasting relief.
When standard treatments aren’t enough: Exploring new options
Eventually, we were referred to Davies Veterinary Specialists in Hertfordshire, where Albi was diagnosed with chronic gut disease. It was there that we were offered a place in a clinical trial for faecal transplants.
This all took place during the COVID-19 pandemic, which made the experience even more surreal. All consultations were conducted in the car park, speaking to the vets from my car before Albi was taken inside alone for his examinations.
The vet explained that Albi had been offered a funded place in the trial. If selected, he would receive a faecal transplant designed to rebalance his gut microbiome, though there was also a chance he could be in the control group and not receive the treatment.
Why clinical trials matter in veterinary medicine
The procedure was carried out under general anaesthetic, and afterwards, our role became incredibly hands-on. For several months, we had to collect stool samples three times a day, photograph each one, complete detailed records, and send samples off daily. It was time-consuming and, at times, overwhelming, but it was worth it.
Albi’s symptoms improved significantly, and we later discovered that he had indeed received the transplant. This experience made me realise how vital clinical trials are in veterinary medicine. Without that opportunity, Albi may never have had access to that treatment. I also knew that we were contributing to research that could help other dogs suffering from similar chronic conditions in the future.
However, after a few months, his health began to decline again. We returned to Davies and chose to pay over £2,000 for the procedure to be repeated. Once again, the improvement was clear.
Aligning human and animal health: A One Medicine approach
When the effects began to wear off a second time, I consulted our local vet to discuss next steps. I was concerned about the idea of repeated general anaesthetics for ongoing treatment. Our vet suggested a different approach: one final transplant followed by a maintenance plan of daily probiotics, low-dose antibiotics, and a continued single-protein diet to support his recovery.
I vividly remember that conversation. The vet asked if I understood the plan and commented on how well I was processing everything. I explained that I had recently been prescribed a very similar treatment myself—daily probiotics and low-dose antibiotics—as part of my recovery from major bowel surgery following cancer. He laughed, then shared that he too was on a similar regimen for Crohn’s disease.
It was a striking moment: patient, guardian, and medical professional all navigating nearly identical treatment paths. It highlighted how closely veterinary and human medicine are connected—and how advances in one can inform the other. Clinical trials in animals don’t just help our companions; they contribute to a broader understanding of disease and treatment across species.
Since then, we’ve been able to manage Albi’s condition successfully. He now takes daily probiotics and low-dose antibiotics twice a day. Whenever we try to stop either, his symptoms return – so we know these treatments are playing a crucial role in controlling his disease.
The link between gut health and behaviour
Over time, Albi has also developed some anxiety and behavioural challenges. Once again, the parallels with human medicine have been clear. The connection between gut health and mental wellbeing is well documented in humans, and it’s been just as evident in Albi. He has since been prescribed fluoxetine to help manage these issues.
Clinical trials can be a lifeline
Albi has been through so much, but today he is a happy, loving dog who enjoys human company and exploring the countryside. Without the opportunity to take part in that clinical trial back in 2021, I truly don’t know where we would be now. It didn’t just improve Albi’s quality of life—it gave us options, answers and hope when we had run out of all three.
While the idea of a clinical trial can feel daunting, the level of care, monitoring and transparency we experienced was exceptional. At every stage, Albi’s welfare was the top priority.
For animals like Albi, clinical trials aren’t a last resort, they can be a lifeline. Greater awareness and support for veterinary clinical trials could transform outcomes for countless animals and their families – just as it did for Albi.”
Do you have a One Medicine story? Share yours at https://humanimaltrust.org.uk/share-your-one-medicine-story/