GELATIN BENEFITS FOR DOGS TRIAL

Since changes in diet and administration of dietary supplements may affect AED absorption and metabolism, veterinarians and owners should discuss diet and lifestyle in addition to medications when formulating a treatment plan for epileptic dogs. By monitoring seizure frequency and severity, medication side effects, CBD plasma concentrations, routine physical examinations, and blood work, investigators will have objective information on the efficacy of CBD in the treatment of idiopathic epilepsy in dogs. Then they will receive standard AED treatment and the opposite drug. Participating dogs receive standard AED treatment and either CBD or placebo.

GELATIN BENEFITS FOR DOGS TRIAL

Investigators at Colorado State University are completing a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled, crossover clinical trial in dogs with uncontrolled epilepsy. CHF is currently fund ing one of the first scientific studies exploring these topics through Grant 2323: Efficacy of Cannabidiol (CBD) for the Treatment of Canine Epilepsy. However, the mechanism of action is unknown and studies on its toxicity and the effects of long-term use in dogs are lacking. CBD oil is a non-psychotropic component of the Cannabis sativa plant reported to decrease seizure frequency and severity in humans and some animal models.However, there is little research on its use in epileptic dogs.

Milk thistle has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and is used to protect liver cells.However, little evidence to support this exists in the veterinary literature. Fish oil is high in omega three fatty acids, which modulate ion channels and reportedly reduce excitability in the central nervous system.Ketones may decrease seizure activity through their anti-inflammatory properties, direct inhibition of ion channels, direct inhibition of excitatory neurotransmission, or other mechanisms. Supplementation is hoped to mimic the anti-seizure effects of the ketogenic (high fat and low carbohydrate) diet seen in humans. It was used to provide a source of MCTs, which are known to be ketogenic. Coconut oil was the most common supplement given by owners in this study.Only 17.5% of owner s consulted their veterinarian on the use of these supplements, while most owners received guidance from owner support groups or online. Other supplements given included cannabidiol (CBD oil), vitamin B12, homeopathic remedies, glucosamine/chondroitin, taurine, and herbs.

The most common supplements given were coconut oil, fish oil, and milk thistle. Types of SupplementsĪlmost half of the owners reported giving dietary supplements to manage their dog’s idiopathic epilepsy. Investigators found that two-thirds of owners changed their dog’s diet after being diagnosed with epilepsy, but less than 30% of those did so based on the advice of a veterinarian. Results of this research were presented at the 2017 Annual European College of Veterinary Neurology/European Society of Veterinary Neurology C onference and the 2017 AKC CHF National Parent Club Canine Health Conference, a s well as published in the peer-reviewed journal Research in Veterinary Science in 2018. Owners completed an online questionnaire about their use of dietary supplements and/or diet change in their epileptic dog. One aspect of this research was to understand owner use of dietary supplements in dogs with idiopathic epilepsy. They set out to determine whether supplementation with MCT oil altered the side effects of AEDs, improved the behavioral problems associated with epilepsy, or improved the stress level of epileptic dogs. Dietary Supplement Usage in Epileptic DogsĪs part of the Epilepsy Research Initiative, investigators at the Royal Veterinary College, University of London were awarded CHF Grant 02252: Investigating a Ketogenic Medium-Chain Triglyceride (MCT) Supplement for the Treatment of Drug-Resistant Canine Idiopathic Epilepsy and Its Behavioral Comorbidities. For these reasons and more, the AKC Canine Health Foundation (CHF) launched its Epilepsy Research Initiative in January 201 7 to focus efforts on this devastating condition and improve the understanding of and treatment for epilepsy in dogs. In addition, s ide effects from these drugs, such as increased appetite, sedation, restlessness, or anxiety, often decrease the quality of life for affected dogs and their owners. Twenty to thirty percent of affected dogs continue to experience seizures despite treatment with currently available anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs). Canine idiopathic epilepsy, defined as recurrent seizures with no identifiable underlying cause, is the most common medical neurologic disease in dogs.

Gelatin benefits for dogs