New studies will investigate use of EEG and fMRI in dogs with epilepsy

Photo: Katarzyna Ledwoń/Adobe Stock

With epilepsy being the most prevalent neurological disorder in dogs, the American Kennel Club (AKC) Canine Health Foundation regularly funds research to support the development of new treatments for canine epilepsy.¹ Many dogs continue to experience effects from seizures even with existing treatments.¹ Moreover, with epilepsy affecting both dogs and humans, advancing understanding of the canine condition can also provide insight into human epilepsy, according to the Canine Health Foundation.¹

Electroencephalography

Among the research grants the foundation is funding is a study on electroencephalography (EEG) as a tool for assessing seizures and treatments.^2,3 The study, titled “Assessment of Frequency of Seizures and Antiseizure Drug (ASD) Efficacy by Electroencephalography (EEG) for Dogs with Epilepsy,” is being led by Fiona James, DVM, MS, with a research team at the University of Guelph in Ontario, Canada.

For the study, investigators will use EEG to monitor brain activity in dogs with epilepsy and compare the frequency and type of seizures detected to those reported by the patients’ caregivers. EEG findings will also be used to explore what antiseizure drugs the participants are receiving and their effects on the dogs’ seizures.³

The grant amount for the study is $83,318. Moreover, its grant period will end on August 31, 2026.

Functional magnetic resonance imaging

At the North Carolina State University, Karen R. Muñana, DVM, MS and a team of researchers are using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to explore the underlying causes of epilepsy in dogs. A noninvasive method for assessing brain activity, fMRI measures subtle changes in blood flow associated with increased energy demand.^2,4

The study, titled “Investigating Neuronal Network Connectivity in Dogs with Idiopathic Epilepsy using Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging,” will involve 10 dogs with epilepsy who are not being treated with any antiseizure medication and 10 “neurologically normal” dogs. Each group will undergo fMRI and image analysis to detect and compare resting state networks— groups of brain regions that show synchronized activity during rest. According to AKC, changes in resting state networks have been observed in humans with epilepsy as well as epilepsy progression, severity, and response to treatment. This study’s grant award is $75,840.⁴

To learn more about this research or make a donation, visit https://www.akcchf.org/donate/.

Clinical signs of epilepsy

Seizures can present in various ways and may be focal or generalized. Still, generalized seizures are more common. Patients experiencing a generalized seizure may exhibit⁵:

1. A stiffening of the neck and legs
2. Stumbling and falling over
3. Uncontrollable chewing
4. Drooling
5. Paddling of the limbs
6. Loss of bladder control
7. Defecating
8. Vocalizing
9. Violent shaking and trembling

Seizures can last anywhere from a few seconds to minutes, with the average being approximately 30 to 90 seconds. During a seizure, patients will be generally unaware of its surroundings.⁵

Following the seizure, ie., the post-ictal period, patients may exhibit signs of confusion, disorientation, lethargy, and may appear dazed. In the aura state, or the period before the seizure, patients may appear anxious, frightened, or dazed. According to VCA Animal Hospitals, an estimated 2% of dogs will experience a seizure in their lifetime.⁵

References

1. Epilepsy research. American Kennel Club Canine Health Foundation. Accessed June 9, 2025. https://www.akcchf.org/research/research-portfolio/program-area/epilepsy-research/
2. New Discoveries Are Changing the Future for Dogs with Seizures. American Kennel Club Canine Health Foundation. Accessed June 9, 2025. https://www.akcchf.org/educational-resources/library/articles/new-discoveries-are-changing-the-future-for-dogs-with-seizures/
3. 02931: Assessment of Frequency of Seizures and Antiseizure Drug (ASD) Efficacy by Electroencephalography (EEG) for Dogs with Epilepsy. American Kennel Club Canine Health Foundation. Accessed June 9, 2025. https://www.akcchf.org/grant-directory/02931-2/
4. 02940: Investigating Neuronal Network Connectivity in Dogs with Idiopathic Epilepsy using Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging. American Kennel Club Canine Health Foundation. Accessed June 9, 2025. https://www.akcchf.org/grant-directory/02940-2/
5. Llera R, Ward E, Gollakner R. Epilepsy in dogs. VCA Animal Hospitals. Accessed June 9, 2025. https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/epilepsy-in-dogs