While still in its early stages, a new trial for treating epilepsy in canines is showing promising signs.
However, researchers at the University of Glasgow have said they need more participants to take part in the study.
Findings have been described as “very exciting” thus far.
How does the treatment work?
Scientists are currently testing the effectiveness of ‘Ant-134’, a medication which targets molecules that regulate protein levels within cells.
The Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland is also taking part in the project, as they believe the treatment could also be used in humans.
So far, six dogs have been treated as part of the trial, which started in spring 2023.
Rodrigo Gutierrez Quintana, a senior clinician in veterinary neurology at Glasgow, said: “If it works it could be life-changing for many epileptic dogs and their owners. It could also give information for future clinical trials in humans.”
He added that cases reacted “very well with marked reductions in seizure frequency” for four or five months after a single injection.”
While the treatment has not yielded the same positive outcomes for the remaining cases, Dr. Quintana noted that this lack of response was expected. Furthermore, the study aims to identify biomarkers that can assist in determining which cases could potentially benefit from the treatment.
30 more dogs are needed for the trial – get in touch via email at [email protected] to find out more or visit the University of Glasgow website.
For help finding a veterinary role, get in touch with the Choice Vets team via email at [email protected] or call us on 01135 323 750.
While still in its early stages, a new trial for treating epilepsy in canines is showing promising signs.
However, researchers at the University of Glasgow have said they need more participants to take part in the study.
Findings have been described as “very exciting” thus far.
How does the treatment work?
Scientists are currently testing the effectiveness of ‘Ant-134’, a medication which targets molecules that regulate protein levels within cells.
The Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland is also taking part in the project, as they believe the treatment could also be used in humans.
So far, six dogs have been treated as part of the trial, which started in spring 2023.
Rodrigo Gutierrez Quintana, a senior clinician in veterinary neurology at Glasgow, said: “If it works it could be life-changing for many epileptic dogs and their owners. It could also give information for future clinical trials in humans.”
He added that cases reacted “very well with marked reductions in seizure frequency” for four or five months after a single injection.”
While the treatment has not yielded the same positive outcomes for the remaining cases, Dr. Quintana noted that this lack of response was expected. Furthermore, the study aims to identify biomarkers that can assist in determining which cases could potentially benefit from the treatment.
30 more dogs are needed for the trial – get in touch via email at [email protected] to find out more or visit the University of Glasgow website.
For help finding a veterinary role, get in touch with the Choice Vets team via email at [email protected] or call us on 01135 323 750.