Scientific Title: Short-term Transcutaneous Cervical Vagus Nerve Stimulation (TCVNS) in Dogs with Idiopathic Epilepsy (IE)
Study Investigator: Dr. Fiona James
Graduate Student: Grace Kadler (PhD)
Purpose of the Clinical Study
The most common cause of repeated seizures in dogs is idiopathic epilepsy. It can be challenging to both diagnose and treat. About 30% of dogs with idiopathic epilepsy do not respond to anti-seizure drugs (ASDs). Additionally, these drugs can cause side effects, so finding an alternative therapy could reduce the need to prescribe multiple ASDs to the same patient. Transcutaneous cervical vagus nerve stimulation (tcVNS) is a non-invasive, painless procedure that has many potential applications. Vagus nerve stimulation has been an FDA approved therapy for humans with epilepsy for more than 20 years and may show promise for epileptic dogs as an alternative treatment option to ASDs. Previous work from our team has shown that tcVNS is feasible in healthy dogs and influences the electrical activity of their heart and brain.
Is Your Pet Eligible?
Dogs that are between 6 months and 6 years of age that experience episodes similar to seizures with a suspected diagnosis of idiopathic epilepsy.