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.
*NEW* Dogs with Idiopathic Epilepsy
Flyer - Do Probiotics affect Seizure Frequency
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 1 year. They will need to take a capsule once daily for 6 months. Clients will need to turn in a calendar every 6 weeks including date, time, and duration of all seizures and drop off a fecal sample at UWVC every 6 weeks for 1 year.
For more information, please contact epilepsy@vetmed.wisc.edu or call Amy Elbe, CVT, LAT at 608-890-3484.
*NEW* Feline Cognitive Dysfunction
Feline Cognitive Dysfunction Flyer
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.
Cats with Seizures
Feline Seizure Flyer
The Small Animal Neurology Service is enrolling feline patients with a history of seizures that are receiving end-of-life treatment at UW Veterinary Care in a study evaluating the cause and effect of seizures on the brain in cats.
This study will investigate the clinical signs and physical changes to the brain that are caused by seizures. The aim of this study is to confirm that temporal lobe epilepsy, the most common type of epilepsy in humans, occurs in cats. This will advance treatment options for cats with epilepsy.
For more information regarding this study, please contact Dr. Dylan Djani, Dr. Starr Cameron, BVetMed, DACVIM (Neurology), or Amy Elbe, CVT, LAT at (608) 890-3484.
DOGs with BRAIN TUMORS
Canine Brain Tumor PET-MRI Flyer
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.
DOGs with Seizures
Canine Seizure Flyer
The Small Animal Neurology Service is enrolling canine patients with a history of seizures that are receiving end-of-life treatment at UW Veterinary Care in a study evaluating the cause and effect of seizures on the brain in dogs.
This study will investigate the clinical signs and physical changes to the brain that are caused by seizures. The aim of this study is to determine if temporal lobe epilepsy, the most common type of epilepsy in humans, occurs in dogs. This will allow better understanding of epilepsy in dogs and will advance treatment options for dogs with epilepsy.
For more information regarding this study, please contact Dr. Lissa DiPaola, Dr. Starr Cameron, BVetMed, DACVIM (Neurology), or Amy Elbe, CVT, LAT at (608) 890-3484.
Dogs Needed For Acquired Laryngeal Paralysis Genome-Wide Association Study
The Small Animal Neurology and General Surgery Services are looking for two groups of dogs:
- PUREBRED Labrador Retrievers AND Golden Retrievers 11.5 years old or older with no history of laryngeal paralysis.
- Dogs of any breed, 8 years old or older, that are affected with acquired laryngeal paralysis.
Having pedigree information is appreciated as study dogs should NOT be closely related to other study dogs. Enrolled dogs will receive a free clinical examination through the Small Animal Neurology or General Surgery Service at UW Veterinary Care, University of Wisconsin-Madison.
For more information please visit our website or email us.
This study is looking at genetic predisposition to acquired laryngeal paralysis in Labrador Retrievers and Golden Retrievers using genomic sequencing. It is supported by the Companion Animal Fund.