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Participants sought for canine epilepsy study
The study will evaluate the safety and efficacy of a new epilepsy medication.
Researchers are seeking epileptic dogs aged 2 years and over.

Owners of epileptic dogs are being sought for a clinical trial of a new epilepsy treatment. The study is being undertaken by researchers at the University of Glasgow in collaboration with the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland and funded by American-based charity, Cure Epilepsy.

The researchers hope to acquire new knowledge to help many dogs, and maybe even humans with epilepsy in the future.

The epilepsy medication being evaluated for the study has never been used in dogs or humans before. Researchers will test how safe and effective it is for dogs with canine idiopathic epilepsy who have not responded to conventional anti-seizure medications.

Canine epilepsy affects over 50,000 dogs in the UK, and approximately one third of those do not respond to conventional anti-seizure medications.

To be eligible for the study a dog needs to fit the following criteria:
  • Aged 2 years or over
  • Weighs more than 5 kilograms
  • Has had a diagnosis of idiopathic epilepsy with a normal MRI scan and CSF
  • Has more than four seizures per month despite having tried at least two anti-seizure medications
  • Is deemed otherwise healthy

Owners will be required to attend a number of appointments with their dog at the study site based at the University of Glasgow, and will also be asked to keep a record of their dog’s seizures.

Dogs will be randomly put into one of two study groups; one group will receive the study medication, the other will receive a placebo. Neither the dog owner or study veterinarian will know which group is receiving the study medication or the placebo.

Rodrigo Gutierrez Quintana, senior clinician in veterinary neurology at the University of Glasgow said: “In this clinical trial we will be evaluating the safety and efficacy of a completely new treatment option for epilepsy in dogs. We are very excited to use an RNA-based therapy that targets microRNA-134. Currently, one third of epileptic dogs do not respond to anti-seizure medications, and this new therapy could represent an option for these cases.”

If there is evidence that the study medication is safe and effective, it will be offered to the dogs that received the placebo.

More information about the study can be found on the University of Glasgow’s website.

 

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Webinar to explore history of KC breed registers

News Story 1
 A free webinar exploring the development of the Kennel Club's registration system and the evolution of closed breed registers has been announced.

Hosted by Dr Alison Skipper, veterinary and research advisor at the Kennel Club, the webinar will delve into the development of the registry and how the changing landscape of scientific knowledge has shaped breeding practices. It will also look at what this means for the future of pedigree dogs.

The session will culminate with a look at The Kennel Club's ongoing and future engagement in this area, with a chance for attendees to put forward their thoughts and questions for discussion.

This event takes place on Microsoft Teams on Tuesday, 10 June at 7pm. To learn more, visit events.teams.microsoft.com  

Click here for more...
News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.