Complete Title: Do Anti-seizure Drugs Work in Canines?
Study Investigator: Dr. Fiona James
Graduate Student: Charly McKenna (PhD)
Purpose of the Clinical Study
Seizures are one of the most common neurological problems in veterinary medicine, and epilepsy is the most common brain disease in dogs. Even with anti-seizure drug (ASD) treatment, a proportion of dogs may continue to have seizures or experience intolerable side effects from their medication. Accurate seizure control impacts the quality of life and survival in epileptic dogs and also their caretaker’s quality of life. We can investigate how well an ASD is working by using electroencephalography (EEG).
Is Your Pet Eligible?
- Dogs between 6 months and 6 years of age with normal neurologic exam and at least one year since index seizure (known as Tier I idiopathic epilepsy)
- Dogs with Tier II idiopathic epilepsy regardless of age, neurologic exam status, or time since first onset of seizures (normal MRI, CSF & bloodwork)
- Dogs that will be prescribed a new ASD, regardless of previous ASD status
Visits / Samples Required
An EEG recording will be performed by a member of the research team, before and after a new therapy has been prescribed. Each recording takes approximately 4-5 hours.
Financial Incentives
All costs for this study (consult fee, EEG +/- sedation) will be covered.
Funding is generously provided by NSERC, OVC Pet Trust, and the American Kennel Club Canine Health Foundation.
