Is Gut Dysbiosis Associated with Canine Idiopathic Epilepsy?
The Companion Animal Epilepsy Research program at NC State University College of Veterinary Medicine is recruiting for a new clinical trial to determine whether dogs with idiopathic epilepsy have alterations in their gut microbial population. Our study team is looking for households with an epileptic dog and an unaffected dog to compare the bacterial populations within their gastrointestinal tract. Feces will be collected from both dogs to compare their gut microbiome.
Participation Requirements
Owners must be willing to collect a one-time fecal sample from both dogs and send samples to NCSU CVM (pre-paid shipping). Owners will also be required to complete a brief online questionnaire at the time of sample collection.
• Households must have one dog with epilepsy and one unaffected dog
• Epileptic dog must have presumptive diagnosis of idiopathic epilepsy based on seizure onset between 6 months and 6 years of age, and not be on seizure medication or be on phenobarbital alone
• Both dogs must not be on any other medications aside from monthly preventatives
Participation will provide additional information about epilepsy that may help your dog or other animals in the future.
Read more about the study here!
More Information
Help Future Generations of Dogs
Participate in canine health research by providing samples or by enrolling in a clinical trial. Samples are needed from healthy dogs and dogs affected by specific diseases.