03248: The Application of Magnetic Resonance Elastography in the Assessment of Dogs with Idiopathic Epilepsy

Grant Amount: $54,252

Kari D Foss, DVM, MS; University of Illinois

August 1, 2024 - July 31, 2026

Sponsor(s): National Beagle Club

Breed(s): Finnish Lapphund, Border Collie, Bouvier des Flandres, Lancashire Heeler, Entlebucher Mountain Dog, Belgian Malinois, Puli, Belgian Laekenois, Beauceron, Swedish Vallhund, Berger Picard, Bergamasco, Belgian Tervuren, Pumi, Belgian Sheepdog, Collie, Polish Lowland Sheepdog, Bearded Collie, Australian Shepherd, Australian Cattle Dog, Old English Sheepdog, Pembroke Welsh Corgi, Spanish Water Dog, Icelandic Sheepdog, Canaan Dog, Miniature American Shepherd, Cardigan Welsh Corgi, Norwegian Buhund, Mudi, German Shepherd Dog, Shetland Sheepdog, Briard

Research Program Area: Epilepsy Initiative

Abstract

Epilepsy is one of the most common neurologic disorders in dogs. Poor seizure control or unwanted medication side effects can lead to decreased quality of life in affected dogs. The recommended diagnostics in dogs suspected of having idiopathic epilepsy include advanced imaging, typically with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), to exclude other causes for the seizures. While conventional MRI is highly sensitive and specific in identifying structural lesions, such as tumors or inflammation, it is unable to detect changes at the microscopic level. Utilizing more advanced neuroimaging techniques may provide further information about what is changing at the cellular level in the brain, allowing clinicians to develop improved and more targeted treatments.

Magnetic Resonance Elastography (MRE) is an imaging technique that can non-invasively “palpate” neurologic tissue and thus characterize the tissue elasticity, or stiffness. This study aims to assess the feasibility of MRE to detect areas with altered tissue stiffness (elasticity) in epileptic dogs and to analyze the distribution of these regions within the brain.