Epilepsy Studies

[Rene Allegrini]

Raleigh, NC (Chad Austin, Communications Office NCSU)

The AKC Canine Health Foundation announces that investigations underway at North Carolina State University are examining the role genetics plays in canine epilepsy, which might also reveal clues about how the disease works in humans.

A pair of studies involving Dr. Karen Munana, associate professor of
neurology at NC State's College of Veterinary Medicine (CVM), will explore why some dogs respond poorly to seizure medication.

For more information, please visit our website:
_http://www.akcchf.org/news/index.cfm?article_id=151_
(AKC Canine Health Foundation News)

Contact:

Jeff Sossamon
Director of Development
AKC Canine Health Foundation
PO Box 37941
Raleigh, NC 27627-7941
(919) 334-4010
(919) 334-4011 (f)
(888) 682-9696
_jds@akcchf.org_ (mailto:jds@akcchf.org)

_www.akcchf.org_ (AKC Canine Health Foundation Home Page)

[Gunsey'sMom]

I think not all humans-and maybe this translates to the animal world too- have epilespsy in the classic sense. There are some people that have seizures for other reasons-which could be why the dogs are responding poorly to the meds.

In humans I believe epilepsy is genetic, and would probably be the same in animals. The problem then lies in determining whether or not the seizures of someone are cause by a genetic disorder or outside factors.

This could be very helpful in dogs though, especially in breeds prone to epilepsy. It could then be controlled and there would be a lot less heart ache.

Very interesting research.