Department of Research & Clinical Development
At General Veterinary Hospital, Lahore, the Department of Research & Clinical Development undertakes structured hospital-based clinical research alongside separate quality-improvement activities. Supervised by senior veterinary pathologists, the department conducts prospective and retrospective clinical studies, evaluates diagnostic markers and clinical outcomes, and reviews data relevant to diseases encountered in our hospital. This work supports peer-reviewed scientific publication, staff development, and evidence-based improvement of clinical protocols.
Academic & Diagnostic Collaborations
Our clinical research is supported by a robust network of diagnostic partners and academic institutions. Veterinary professionals, researchers, and students actively participate in these collaborative studies to bridge the gap between clinical practice and veterinary science.
Director of Research & Development
Dr. Iram Hina
DVM, MPhil Pathology, PhD Pathology (UAF) | RVMP #8942
Dr. Iram Hina directs academic research initiatives, study protocols, research governance, and applicable ethical and regulatory compliance at General Veterinary Hospital. Holding a Ph.D. in Veterinary Pathology from the University of Agriculture, Faisalabad (UAF) awarded in September 2024, Dr. Hina brings highly specialized academic and diagnostic research experience to our hospital.
Her expertise encompasses histopathology, hemato-immunological parameter analysis, serum biochemistry profiling, and infectious disease mechanisms. Under her leadership, GVH integrates routine outpatient diagnostics with advanced biomarker tracking to improve survival rates in critically ill companion animals.
For any collaboration or project details please Email us at research@gvhospital.com
“Our objective is to bridge academic pathology with bedside clinical veterinary medicine, developing precise diagnostic indices that save animal lives.”
Published Clinical Research & Academic Papers
Peer-reviewed studies and clinical audits authored and published by the GVH Research & Clinical Development team.
Published
Serial C-Reactive Protein and Lipid Profile Dynamics as Prognostic and Care-Escalation Indicators in Canine Parvoviral Enteritis: A Single-Center Cohort Study
Authors: Zahid Afzal, Iram Hina, Ahmed Ali Qasim, Syed Muhammad Faizan. (Planta Animalia)
Published
Antimicrobial Resistance Patterns of Bacterial Isolates from Feline Clinical Infections in a Private Veterinary Practice in Lahore, Pakistan
Authors: Zahid Afzal, Iram Hina, Muhammad Talha Aziz, Tahseen Yaqub, Inam-ul-haq Baig, Fatima Rafaqat. (Bioscience Insights)
Published
Determining the Effect of Different Combinations of NSAIDs on Hemato-Immunological Parameters and the Association of Heat Shock Protein-70 in Broilers
Lead Pathologist/Author: Dr. Iram Hina. (Pakistan Veterinary Journal)
Published
Determination The Effects of Administration of Combination of NSAIDs on Broilers Performance and Health indicators with the Association of Heat Shock Protein-70
Lead Pathologist/Author: Dr. Iram Hina. (Pakistan Veterinary Journal)
Published
Effect of different doses of acetaminophen through drinking water on body organs and serum biochemical parameters in broilers
Lead Pathologist/Author: Dr. Iram Hina. (Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health)
Published
Effects of different Acetylsalicylic acid doses on body organs, histopathology and Serum Biochemical parameters in broiler birds
Lead Pathologist/Author: Dr. Iram Hina. (Brazilian Journal of Veterinary Research and Animal Science)
Published
Immunopathological Effects of FAdv-4 Infection in Broiler Birds Fed with Aflatoxin B1 Contaminated Feed (WVPA)
Lead Pathologist/Author: Dr. Iram Hina. (World Veterinary Poultry Association Proceedings)
Translational Research & Product Development
Bridging clinical research with the responsible development of investigational veterinary products.
Investigational Project
Preparation and Pathophysiological Evaluation of Hyperimmune Serum against CPV
Methodology & Purpose: This translational project draws on clinical and biomarker findings from GVH’s prospective, observational, single-center cohort study of canine parvoviral enteritis conducted from July 2023 to June 2025. The current project concerns the preparation, laboratory characterization, and investigational evaluation of CPV hyperimmune serum. Its safety, efficacy, clinical indications, and regulatory status remain subject to the appropriate scientific and regulatory review processes.
Current Status: Investigational research and regulatory-preparation stage.
- Project In-Charge: Dr. Ahmed Ali Qasim (DVM, MPhil)
- Supervising Pathologist: Dr. Iram Hina (DVM, MPhil, PhD Pathology)
Current Clinical Research Projects
Current institutional research projects at General Veterinary Hospital include clinical protocol evaluations and retrospective cohort studies. Each project is described according to its actual scientific design.
Active Institutional Study
Non-Surgical Medical-Management Protocol Evaluation for Canine & Feline Pyometra
Objective: Evaluating conservative, non-surgical medical management protocols (utilizing receptor antagonists, prostaglandins, and targeted antimicrobial therapy) for open-cervix pyometra in breeding or high-risk surgical patients.
Clinical Research Team:
- Lead Clinical Investigator: Dr. Ahmed Ali Qasim (DVM, MPhil)
- Surgical Advisor: Dr. Zahid Afzal (DVM, RVMP)
- Ultrasonography & Triage: Dr. Shahbaz Nawaz (DVM, MPhil)
Retrospective Cohort Study
Admission and Early Dynamic Prediction of 24-Hour Treatment Failure in Dogs and Cats Presenting for Acute Veterinary Care: A Retrospective Cohort Study with Temporal Validation
Objective: A large-scale retrospective clinical data analysis evaluating whether routinely available admission variables and early physiologic changes (first 6 hours) can accurately predict 24-hour treatment failure in acute-care dogs and cats.
Research Team:
- Lead Clinical Investigator: Dr. Sohail Rasheed (DVM, MPhil Vet Med)
- Supervising Pathologist: Dr. Iram Hina (PhD Pathology)
Retrospective Study
Retrospective Characterization of Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease Subtypes, Risk Factors, and Recurrence in a Private Small Animal Practice in Pakistan
Objective: Characterizing FLUTD subtypes, associated lifestyle risk factors, and short-term recurrence in a Pakistani feline population, specifically investigating clinical outcomes and the physiological impact of dry diets on urethral obstruction.
Research Team:
- Lead Clinical Investigator: Dr. Ahmed Ali Qasim (DVM, MPhil)
- Veterinary Associate: Dr. Muhammad Waseem (DVM, RVMP)
Institutional Ethics & Animal Welfare (GVH-ERC)
All clinical research, retrospective analyses, and clinical trials conducted at General Veterinary Hospital are strictly overseen by the GVH Ethical Review Committee (GVH-ERC). To ensure methodological rigor, transparency, and strict compliance with global veterinary welfare guidelines, the committee comprises internal clinical directors alongside independent external members from diverse professional backgrounds. These external advisors include distinguished academic researchers and dedicated animal rights activists.
The GVH-ERC reviews all study protocols prior to patient enrollment, ensuring that all data collection and therapeutic interventions meet the highest international standards for ethical veterinary research. Approved clinical data is utilized exclusively for peer-reviewed academic publication and the advancement of evidence-based veterinary protocols.