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Idiopathic epilepsy is the most common chronic brain disease in dogs and very challenging for both the dog and its owner. Intermittent recurrent episodes of abnormal movement, referred to as paroxysmal dyskinesia, can mimic epileptic seizures. Without correct diagnosis, patients may get the wrong therapy and seizures or episodes of abnormal movement will continue. Researchers plan to investigate differences in brain activity and metabolism in these two diseases and compare this to healthy dogs using special magnetic resonance imaging techniques. Researchers also will analyze chemical substances in cerebrospinal fluid and examine gut microbes to look deeper into metabolism as a whole in affected patients. Diagnostic tools to differentiate between epilepsy and paroxysmal dyskinesia will help veterinarians provide better care and appropriate treatments for their patients with movement disorders.

Study ID
D22CA-402
Study Status
Active
Start Date
04/01/2022
Grant amount awarded
$89,478
Grant recipient
University for Veterinary Medicine Hanover Foundation
Study country
Germany
Investigator
Nina Meyerhoff, Dr. med. vet.
Study category
Neurology (Brain and Spinal Cord)