Neurology is the branch of medicine dealing with the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves. Common disorders seen by neurologists include seizures, brain tumors, meningitis, inflamed nerves, herniated discs, age related cognitive dysfunction, and congenital problems. MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) and electrodiagnostic testing are common diagnostic tools. Our Neurology service has many studies involving these and other disorders as well as new treatment options, so please check back often to see if your pet may qualify to enroll in one of our studies.
Dogs with Idiopathic Epilepsy
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The study is investigating if seizure frequency is affected by probiotic supplementation.
Any dog 1-9 years old diagnosed with idiopathic epilepsy who can eat a consistent AAFCO approved commercial diet (not raw) for 1 year can participate. Dogs cannot have taken antibiotics for at least 6 months prior to study. Sorry, no probiotic treats allowed.
Patients enrolled in this study will need to eat a consistent diet for 9 months. They will need to take a capsule once daily for 6 months. Clients will need to turn in a calendar once/month including date, time, and duration of all seizures and mail in or drop off a fecal sample at UWVC for baseline and at the end of months 3, 6, and 9.
To see if your dog is eligible, please CLICK HERE to fill out the questionnaire.
For more information, please contact epilepsy@vetmed.wisc.edu or call Amy Elbe, CVT, LAT at 608-890-3484.
Feline Cognitive Dysfunction
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The goal of our research is to understand the brain and cognitive changes that occur in our ever-growing geriatric and aging cat population. By studying these changes, we are hoping to be able to optimize diagnostic and treatment options available for cats with signs consistent with feline cognitive dysfunction. There is NO COST to participate in this study.
We are looking for any cat over 12 years of age that is being euthanized for any reason. They will need to come to UW Veterinary Care for euthanasia. If you agree to have your cat participate in this study, then before euthanasia, a neurologic exam, ophthalmic exam, non-invasive blood pressure, bloodwork (under sedation), and a questionnaire regarding your cat's behavior will be performed. However, if your cat becomes stressed or anxious during any of that testing, that portion of the study will not be completed. After euthanasia, samples of brain tissue will be collected. Private or communal cremation may be elected after the necropsy.
For more information regarding this study, please contact Dr. Starr Cameron or Amy Elbe, CVT, LAT at 608-890-3484.
DOGs with BRAIN TUMORS
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The Small Animal Neurology Service and Diagnostic Imaging Service are enrolling canine patients with brain tumors in a study evaluating the use of PET-MRI for identifying and diagnosing cancers in dogs.
This study will provide better understanding of this imaging tool in dogs with brain tumors. Findings from this study may provide veterinary medicine the ability to tell the difference between certain brain tumor types and help determine how aggressive tumors are.
For more information regarding this study, please contact Dr. Samantha Loeber, Dr. Kate Jones, Dr. Starr Cameron, BVetMed, DACVIM (Neurology), or Amy Elbe, CVT, LAT at (608) 890-3484.