Epilepsy Research
The AKC Canine Health Foundation (CHF) funds research to better understand and develop more effective treatments for canine epilepsy.
Why We Focus on Epilepsy
Epilepsy is the most common neurological disorder in dogs, and many dogs still experience seizures despite current treatments. Epilepsy is also a disease where animal and human health concerns intersect, meaning knowledge gained about dogs not only helps improve the lives of dogs but also contributes to our understanding of human epilepsy.
Our mission is to give every dog the chance at a healthier longer life.
Research Grants
Epilepsy ● $15,237.50
03635-A: Epidemiology and clinical features of idiopathic epilepsy in Irish Wolfhounds: A questionnaire-based cross-sectional study
Breed(s): Irish Wolfhound
Researcher(s): Yoshihiko Yu
Epilepsy ● $21,620.00
03659-A: Evaluating Long-chain Fatty Acids as a Nutritional Biomarker in Canine Idiopathic Epilepsy.
Breed(s): Australian Shepherd
Researcher(s): Go Togawa, DVM MSc PhD
Epilepsy ● $301,300.00
03535: Crossbreed Genetics and Neuron Modeling to Explain Seizures and Temperament in Dogs
Breed(s): All Dogs
Researcher(s): Hannes Lohi
Epilepsy ● $31,280.00
03439-MOU: Molecular Genetic Basis of Epilepsy in Standard Schnauzers
Breed(s): Standard Schnauzer
Researcher(s): Martin L. Katz, PhD
Epilepsy ● $13,886.00
03401-MOU: Clinical characteristics and heritability of idiopathic epilepsy in the Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen
Breed(s): Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen
Researcher(s): Karen R. Munana, DVM, MS
Epilepsy ● $54,252
03248: The Application of Magnetic Resonance Elastography in the Assessment of Dogs with Idiopathic Epilepsy
Breed(s): Border Collie
Researcher(s): Kari D Foss, DVM, MS
Sponsor(s): National Beagle Club
Epilepsy ● $6,140
03255-MOU: Clinical Characteristics and Heritability of Idiopathic Epilepsy in the Otterhound Breed: A Survey-based Study
Breed(s): Otterhound
Researcher(s): Karen Muñana, DVM, MS
Epilepsy ● $19,848
03243-A: Comparison of Clorazepate and Levetiracetam as Pulse Therapy for the In-Home Management of Cluster Seizures in Dogs with Idiopathic Epilepsy: A Pilot Study
Breed(s): All Dogs
Researcher(s): Karen R. Muñana, DVM, MS
Sponsor(s): Collie Health Foundation, Irish Setter Club of America Foundation, National Beagle Club, Portuguese Water Dog Foundation, Rottweiler Health Foundation, Siberian Husky Club of America, Inc.
Epilepsy ● $92,858
03039: Prognostic Biomarkers for the Development of Drug Resistance in Dogs with Idiopathic Epilepsy
Breed(s): All Dogs
Researcher(s): Thomas Parmentier, DVM, PhD
Sponsor(s): Australian Shepherd Health & Genetics Institute, Faculté de Médecine Vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, Health & Rescue Foundation of the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen Club of America, Collie Health Foundation, Irish Setter Club of America Foundation, National Beagle Club
Epilepsy ● $30,000
03040: Identification of Novel Epilepsy Genes in Dogs
Breed(s): Labrador Retriever
Researcher(s): Hannes T. Lohi, PhD
Sponsor(s): Australian Shepherd Health & Genetics Institute, Boston Terrier Club of America, Duffee Standard Schnauzer Epilepsy Research Fund, Health & Rescue Foundation of the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen Club of America, Vizsla Club of America Welfare Foundation
Epilepsy ● $14,872
03036-A: Mapping Microstructural Myelin and Axonal Damage in Dogs with Idiopathic Epilepsy using Diffusion MRI and Tract-Based Spatial Statistics
Breed(s): All Dogs
Researcher(s): Philippa Johnson, BVSc
Sponsor(s): German Shorthaired Pointer Club of America, Inc., Irish Setter Club of America Foundation
Epilepsy ● $83,318
02931: Assessment of Frequency of Seizures and Antiseizure Drug (ASD) Efficacy by Electroencephalography (EEG) for Dogs with Epilepsy
Breed(s): All Dogs
Researcher(s): Fiona James, DVM, MS
Sponsor(s): American Chinese Crested Club, Australian Shepherd Health & Genetics Institute, German Shorthaired Pointer Club of America, Inc., Health & Rescue Foundation of the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen Club of America, Irish Setter Club of Milwaukee, Inc., Toby’s Foundation, National Beagle Club
Epilepsy ● $107,995
02930: A Dose Finding Study of Cannabidiol in Dogs with Idiopathic Epilepsy
Breed(s): All Dogs
Researcher(s): Stephanie McGrath, DVM, MS
Sponsor(s): Flat-Coated Retriever Foundation, Health & Rescue Foundation of the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen Club of America, Irish Setter Club of Milwaukee, Inc., Mastiff Club of America, Miniature Pinscher Club of America, Inc., Rhodesian Ridgeback Charitable Foundation, Rhodesian Ridgeback Club of the United States, Toby’s Foundation, American Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Club Charitable Trust, Collie Health Foundation, Dalmatian Club of America Foundation, Inc., Gordon Setter Club of America, Inc., Irish Setter Club of America Foundation, Labrador Retriever Club, Inc., National Beagle Club, Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, Rottweiler Health Foundation, Vizsla Club of America Welfare Foundation
Epilepsy ● $108,000
02936: Validating Genetic Variants Underlying Canine Idiopathic Epilepsy and Exploring Their Functional Roles in the Belgian Sheepdog and Tervuren
Breed(s): Belgian Sheepdog, Belgian Tervuren
Researcher(s): Anita M. Oberbauer, PhD
Sponsor(s): Duffee Standard Schnauzer Epilepsy Research Fund, Vizsla Club of America Welfare Foundation
Epilepsy ● $75,840
02940: Investigating Neuronal Network Connectivity in Dogs with Idiopathic Epilepsy using Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Breed(s): All Dogs
Researcher(s): Karen R. Muñana, DVM, MS
Sponsor(s): Australian Shepherd Health & Genetics Institute, Chihuahua Club of America, Curly-Coated Retriever Club of America, German Shorthaired Pointer Club of America, Inc., Irish Setter Club of Milwaukee, Inc., Toby’s Foundation, Irish Setter Club of America Foundation
Join Us in Advancing
Canine Health
With more than $3.1 million supporting canine epilepsy research, CHF is deeply committed to improving the lives of epileptic dogs and their families.
