Virginia Tech’s Veterinary College Expands Clinical Trials with Transformative $15 Million Spurr Estate Gift

A $15 million estate gift from Northern Virginia philanthropists Helen Dessin Spurr and Frank Arthur Spurr Jr. is set to reshape the future of veterinary medicine at the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine. The gift significantly expands the school’s capacity for clinical trials in dogs and cats, giving hope to pet owners seeking cutting-edge care while honoring the Spurrs’ lifelong devotion to animals.

The new Helen Dessin Spurr and Frank Arthur Spurr Jr. Endowed Research Fund supports the development of novel diagnostic tools and treatments, bridging the critical gap between laboratory discoveries and real-world veterinary practice.

Advancing Veterinary Innovation Through Clinical Trials

Clinical trials are vital in veterinary medicine—they offer access to experimental treatments, advanced diagnostics, and the chance to contribute to science when traditional options have failed. The Spurr Fund will support:

  • Seed grants for new research

  • A dedicated clinical trial technician

  • Expanded program support and infrastructure

This investment will allow the college to increase the number and diversity of trials offered, helping more pets while supporting veterinary breakthroughs.

One ongoing study focuses on Cavalier King Charles spaniels, aiming to better understand mitral valve disease and spinal cord malformations. Other trials are expected to follow for cancer therapies, orthopedic innovations, and novel diagnostic tools.

Honoring the Legacy of Helen and Frank Spurr

Helen Dessin Spurr, a trailblazing systems engineer at IBM, spent her retirement caring for dogs and wildlife on her property near Winchester, VA. Her final dog, a Doberman, was adopted at age 93. Her love for animals inspired the estate gift after a veterinarian recommended supporting the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine.

Her husband, Frank Spurr, was a telecommunications expert, WWII veteran, and respected civic leader who was once named Citizen of the Year by the Winchester-Frederick County Chamber of Commerce.

Together, their estate gift ensures that compassionate veterinary care and research excellence will benefit generations of pets and veterinary students to come.

FAQ: Understanding Veterinary Clinical Trials at Virginia Tech

What are veterinary clinical trials?
Veterinary clinical trials are research studies that test new treatments, medications, or diagnostic tools on animals in a clinical setting to evaluate their effectiveness and safety.

How can pet owners participate in a clinical trial?
Owners can contact the Veterinary Teaching Hospital to see if their pet qualifies for an active clinical trial. Participation may include financial assistance and access to advanced care.

What types of conditions are studied?
Studies focus on cancer, heart disease, orthopedic conditions, neurological disorders, and more. Some trials explore entirely new treatment approaches.

Is the care safe and regulated?
Yes. All trials follow strict ethical guidelines and are monitored by veterinarians and research teams to ensure safety and animal welfare.

How does this gift help animals?
The Spurr estate gift will fund more trials, helping pets access experimental care and supporting new treatments that can benefit animals nationwide.

A Legacy That Heals and Inspires

The Spurrs’ generosity doesn’t just improve access to advanced care—it also empowers researchers, students, and future veterinarians to continue pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in pet health.

For more information about clinical trials at the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, visit vetmed.vt.edu.

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