Largest Veterinary Trial For Dogs With Seizures Currently UnderWay

Largest veterinary trial for dogs with seizures currently underway

Raleigh, NC., April 20, 2009 -- Veterinary clinical trials offer welcomed free medical care for pets during tough economic times. One such example is a clinical trial currently underway for the purpose of evaluating a new medication for the treatment of idiopathic epilepsy in dogs. Idiopathic epilepsy is characterized by recurring seizures with no known cause and this study is the largest-known trial of its kind evaluating treatment for the disease.   Regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the veterinary clinical trial is being conducted in multiple cities with hundreds of dogs by specially-trained veterinarians across the United States. For qualifying dogs, the trial offers the most advanced care available, including in-depth diagnostics, such as CAT scans and MRIs for dogs over five years of age.

Judy Kochner, a school teacher and owner of Lady Bug, a miniature dachshund, recently participated in the clinical trial. “Lady Bug had experienced a couple of seizures, but suddenly the seizures became more frequent. I felt so bad for her during these seizures — she suffered so much and just wasn’t herself,” Kochner says. After examining Lady Bug, my veterinarian suggested that she participate in this trial. Although the clinical trial site was a one-hour drive each way, it was worth it for Lady Bug to get such outstanding quality of care — for free. There is no way I could have afforded the diagnostics and quality of care Lady Bug received during the trial. I would definitely recommend that people who have a dog with this condition ask their veterinarian about participating in this trial.”

Study will expand understanding of seizures in dogs
There are many types of seizures in dogs, and it is estimated that idiopathic epilepsy can affect up to 5.7% of the dog population[i]   which translates to over four million dogs in the U.S. alone.[ii]   However, little is known about this puzzling disease. This large study with hundreds of dogs will provide important evidence-based research, which may lead to new insights, treatments, and improvements in patient health.

Most epileptic dogs suffer their first seizure between the ages of one and five years and male dogs slightly outnumber females in most studies.1 According to Dr. James Lavely, a board-certified veterinary neurologist at VCA Animal Care Center of Sonoma in Rohnert Park, California, “Most seizures in dogs occur early in the morning or late at night, when the dog is at rest.”

Some breeds of dogs are known to be more susceptible to the disease, including Beagles, Belgian Tervurens, British Alsatians, collies, dachshunds, golden retrievers, keeshonden, Labrador retrievers, vizslas, German shepherds, and Bernese mountain dogs.1    The Portuguese water dog, a breed enjoying the public spotlight due to its selection by the Presidential family, may also be susceptible to idiopathic epilepsy.[iii]

Patient Qualifications

Dogs that meet the initial qualifications for the study receive free medical evaluations, as well as in-depth diagnostic tests which may include a CAT scan or MRI. If enrolled in the study, dogs also receive free medication (no placebo), and monthly exams. In addition to free study specific care, owners of enrolled dogs are also eligible to have funds credited to their accounts at their referring family veterinarian.

Veterinary trial sites located across the U.S.

The study is sponsored by a major animal health pharmaceutical company and regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Expected to run through the end of 2009, study sites are currently operating in Alabama, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Kansas, Louisiana, Michigan, Missouri, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee and Texas. For more information, ask your veterinarian, or visit the Web site at www.HelpForDogsWithSeizures.com.

The medication given to dogs in the trial may or may not help their seizures. As with all medications, there are risks and benefits, all of which will be discussed with dog owners by the clinical investigator prior to enrollment.

About Visionaire Research & Education

Visionaire Research & Education helps veterinary pharmaceutical manufacturers in their recruitment efforts for clinical trials. The company is located in Raleigh, NC.

[i]   “Management of Canine Idiopathic Epilepsy,” by Michell Brogan Carnes, MS, DVM, Lisa Tieber, MS, DVM, and Todd W. Axlund, DVM, MS, DACVIM (Neurology), Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University. Standards of Care, Emergency and Critical Care Medicine. January/February 2006, Vol. 8.1, page 1.

[ii]   (Based on U.S. dog population estimate of 72,114,000.) American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), 2007 U.S. Pet Ownership & Demographics Sourcebook.

[iii]   http://www.pwdca.org/health/conditions/seizures/

Dog owners enjoy the love, affection and company of their canine companions. However, when a dog experiences a seizure, it can be a traumatic and frightening experience. According to experts, seizures in dogs typically occur in themorning or late at night, when the dog is at rest. An FDA-regulated clinical trial in multiple cities with hundreds of dogs across the U.S. Provides free medication and themost advanced veterinary care available to qualifying dogs with idiopathic epilepsy. For more information, visit www.HelpForDogsWith Seizures.com

Fast Facts about Canine Seizures and Idiopathic Epilepsy

• Seizures result from abnormal electrical activity in the brain. There are many different kinds of canine seizures with different causes, and much is still to be learned through research.
• The term epilepsy is used to describe recurring seizures.
• Seizures with an unknown cause are referred to as idiopathic epilepsy. Idiopathic epilepsy affects up to 5.7% of the dog population.
• It is estimated that more than four million dogs in the U.S. have idiopathic epilepsy.
• CT scans and MRIs of the brain are sometimes used to help in the diagnostic evaluation of dogs experiencing seizures.
• Beagles, Belgian Tervurens, Bernese mountain dogs, British Alsatians, collies, dachshunds, German shepherds, golden retrievers, keeshonden, Labrador retrievers, Portuguese water dogs and vizslas are among the breeds that may be genetically predisposed to have this disease.
• Most epileptic dogs suffer their first seizure between the age of one and five years, and male dogs slightly outnumber females in most studies.
• Seizures in dogs typically occur early in the morning or late at night, when the dog is at rest.
• Seizures can be frightening and traumatic for dog owners.
• If left untreated, seizures will likely get worse. The more seizures a dog has, the more easily seizures occur, and the more resistant the seizures may be to treatment.
• Although seizures are frightening to watch, it is unlikely that a dog will choke or hurt itself during a seizure, but pet owners should ensure that the pet is in a safe position, out of danger, such as from falling down a flight of stairs.
• Dog owners are encouraged to observe and record all activities related to the seizure so they can accurately report events to their veterinarian. The goal of treatment is to help reduce the severity, frequency and duration of seizures.
• For a limited time, free veterinary medical care is available for dogs presumed to have idiopathic epilepsy who qualify through a clinical trial. (See requirements for participation.) The trial is expected to run through 2009.
• This Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulated clinical trial is evaluating a new medication for the treatment of idiopathic epilepsy. Interested dog owners should contact their family veterinarian about participating in the trial, or visit www.HelpForDogsWithSeizures.com.

Susan Poulos
Visionaire Research and Education
www.VRandE.com
Office: 919-293-0243, ext. 203
Mobile: 336-686-2313