The AHT’s epilepsy study has now moved to the Genetics Phase.  We have contacted the owners of dogs with a confirmed diagnosis of idiopathic epilepsy that we know are still alive, to ask them to donate a DNA sample, to be collected as a simple cheek swab, from their dog. 

We have been receiving these DNA samples from the cases that Luisa has identified and are about to start asking some of the dogs we have DNA from that are listed as healthy for confirmation that they remain, or remained (if they have died) seizure-free.  Once we have this confirmation we will start the DNA analysis.

The data collection for the study on Prevalence and Clinical Characteristics of Idiopathic Epilepsy in the Italian Spinone in the UK has been completed. The numerous variables are undergoing analysis and will be presented at an international conference in September.

The interim results suggest that the prevalence of Idiopathic Epilepsy  in the Italian Spinonein the UK is greater than the 0.6% prevalence estimated in epileptic dogs of numerous breeds in first opinion practice in UK. Seizures are commonly generalised tonic-clonic and frequently occur in clusters. More than 50% of Spinoni required more than one antiepileptic medication and seizure control was often challenging. Epilepsy related mortality rate was higher than previously reported in other canine breeds.

Continue reading “AHT April Update” →

We’ve been asked by a researcher at the Clinical Investigations Centre at the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) to help recruit for a food trial looking into the treatment of epilepsy.  A new diet has been developed with the aim of improving the management of epileptic dogs, not only by reducing seizure frequency, but also by decreasing the level of side-effects seen with standard antiepileptic drugs.

Continue reading “Epilepsy Research Study” →

March Update from the AHT Research Study into Idopathic Epilepsy. Please help the Animal Heath Trust tackle Epilepsy in the Italian Spinone.

As you

 know, the collaborative research project between our clinical neurology and canine genetics services to investigate idiopathic epilepsy in the Italian Spinone is progressing well.

The AHT neurology team have been working extremely hard on the initial phases of this project to identify suitable cases.  Now, during the first half of 2014, Dr Cathryn Mellersh and her genetics team are collecting DNA samples from the identified cases.  They will then use sophisticated DNA technologies to identify mutations likely to be causative of the disease.

Cathryn will be at Crufts (6 – 9 March) on the Kennel Club Health Stand in Hall 3 and will be happy to answer your questions on the development of this research project and to discuss what you can do to help.  You can also talk to members of the Fundraising Department on the adjacent AHT stand to discuss how your club and Italian Spinone owners can raise further funds to support the fight against this distressing disease in the Italian Spinone.

Please circulate this letter to your members as widely as possible as we would very much like to meet as many Italian Spinone owners as possible at Crufts.  We hope to see you there and, to those who may be showing or exhibiting, the very best of luck!

Yours sincerely

Andrew Simmonds

Head of Development.

February Update from the AHT Research Study into Idopathic Epilepsy.

Phase 3 of the AHT study into Idiopathic Epilepsy in the Italian Spinone is reaching its final stage. Dr Luisa De Risio and her team have been working extremely hard and hopefully now have sufficient robust cases to enable her to move to phases 4 and 5.

Continue reading “AHT Epilepsy Reseach” →