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Study reveals dog owner priorities for canine epilepsy research
Improving existing drug management was highlighted as a key area for future epilepsy research.
Owners rank the development of new antiepileptic medication as a high priority.

A new study has identified improving drug management as a primary area of research for owners and vets in the future treatment of canine epilepsy.

The findings, published in the Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, provide valuable insight into the importance of ensuring owners' views are included in future research - and that future research better improves the quality of life for affected animals and their owners. 

In the study, researchers at the RVC and the University of Veterinary Medicine Hanover undertook prioritisation activities to highlight the most important and urgent research needs. They also looked at opinions on the emerging area of non-drug therapies for epilepsy. 

A survey of 414 dog owners and specialist neurology and general practice vets revealed the areas of canine epilepsy research deemed most important. It also looked at how these views changed between 2016 and 2020.

Among the key findings were:
  • the research areas with the highest perceived importance were improving existing drug management of epilepsy, the development of new antiepileptic medication and improving the education of vets regarding epilepsy
     
  • the research areas ranked as the highest priorities were the development of new antiepileptic medication, identifying genetic causes of epilepsy, and non-drug management of epilepsy
     
  • of 10 non-drug therapies, the five rated to have the highest potential positive impact on epilepsy management were behaviour management, gene editing, CBD oil supplementation, MCT oil supplementation and epilepsy surgery
     
  • priorities differed between vets and owners, with owners prioritising day-to-day quality of life issues for their dog, such as behavioural issues or the side effects from medications. In contrast, the vet groups prioritised clinical issues, such as identifying the genetic causes of epilepsy and how different types of seizures are classified. 
Study author Dr Rowena Packer of the RVC said: “Although all of the research areas included in this prioritisation activity are important areas of investigation, ensuring that the voices of owners are heard in the planning of future research should be a broader goal in veterinary medicine, to ensure efforts are targeted at those areas most likely to improve the quality of life of both affected animals and their owners."

Co-author Professor Holger Volk of the University of Veterinary Medicine Hanover, added: "We all hope that our research makes a difference for pets, their owners and vets, but how often have we really explored what that means for the individual stakeholders? In this study, we have clearly shown that future research needs can differ depending on which group you ask. We do need to take this into account for our future research projects.”

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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
New guidance for antibiotic use in rabbits

New best practice guidance on the responsible use of antibiotics in rabbits has been published by the BSAVA in collaboration with the Rabbit Welfare Association & Fund (RWA&F).

The guidance is free and has been produced to help veterinary practitioners select the most appropriate antibiotic for rabbits. It covers active substance, dose and route of administration all of which are crucial factors when treating rabbits owing to the risk of enterotoxaemia.

For more information and to access the guide, visit the BSAVALibrary.