Canine Epilepsy: A Nutritional Approach to Complement Veterinary Treatment

A study* conducted at the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) in London has led to the development of the first and only diet specifically designed to improve the health of dogs with idiopathic epilepsy, as a complement to veterinary treatment. This new dietary formula, developed in partnership with Nestlé Purina, will be available by veterinary prescription in the United States starting this month. It was presented to veterinary practitioners at the North American Veterinary Community (NAVC) annual conference in Orlando in February.   Epilepsy is a common chronic neurological condition in both dogs and humans. For idiopathic canine epilepsy, the most common treatment involves the administration of antiepileptic drugs. However, past studies** show that the effectiveness of current medications is limited: in about one-third of dogs, antiepileptic drugs fail to reduce the number of seizures by even half. The RVC has therefore explored new treatment strategies to expand therapeutic options, notably by evaluating the effects of diet on the health of affected dogs. The goal is to improve disease management and the dogs’ quality of life, and to help owners and dog breeders better manage recurrent seizures in their animals. Among the new areas of research being explored, the most promising appears to be the effects of diet on the health of dogs with epilepsy. Drawing on the experience of breeders and dog owners—many of whom have observed the beneficial influence of certain diets on seizure occurrence—researchers have taken a closer look at the links between diet and epilepsy. As a result, the importance of a specific and consistent diet has emerged as essential, even though, in practice, it can be difficult to implement. This is because one of the effects of anti-epileptic medications is to stimulate appetite. Affected dogs are therefore constantly on the lookout for food. This makes it hard for owners to resist, and leftovers often end up in the dog’s bowl. However, these foods—which contain high levels of salt, among other things—can interfere with how dogs metabolize certain antiepileptic medications. Furthermore, it’s not just the amount of food given that matters; the specific nutrients must also be taken into account.  

Fewer Seizures for 7 Out of 10 Dogs

The RVC study, a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, was conducted over six months in dogs with idiopathic epilepsy who were receiving antiepileptic medications. Seizure frequency, clinical data, and laboratory results were collected and evaluated in the 21 dogs that completed the trial. The results show that a diet rich in medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) can help control seizures. Thus, for the first time, it has been shown that a diet enriched with MCT oil can have positive effects on seizure frequency when used as a supplement to veterinary treatment. A reduction in seizure frequency was observed in 71% of the dogs included in the study (48% showed a decrease of 50% or more), and in 14% of the dogs, seizures ceased entirely. Inspired by this study, the new NeuroCare formula developed in collaboration with Purina contains, in addition to TCM oil, a blend of nutrients (arginine, EPA + DHA, antioxidants, B vitamins) that help support cognitive function in dogs with epilepsy. However, the antiepileptic properties associated with this ketogenic diet are not sufficient on their own: their effectiveness is complementary to medical treatment, and this new therapeutic option must be implemented under veterinary supervision.   * T.H. Law et al. A randomized trial of a medium-chain TAG diet as treatment for dogs with idiopathic epilepsy. Br J. Nutr. 2015;114:1438-1447.** http://www.rvc.ac.uk/news-and-events/press-office/can-antiepileptic-drugs-control-seizures-of-dogs-with-idiopathic-epilepsy