AKC Canine Health Foundation Provides Dog Owners And The Veterinary Community With Improved Methods For Preventing And Treating Epilepsy In Dogs

The AKC Canine Health Foundation (CHF) has taken a major step to better understand epilepsy in dogs with the launch of an Epilepsy Research Initiative. The Initiative will provide dog owners and the veterinary community with improved methods for preventing and treating epilepsy in dogs.

 The AKC Canine Health Foundation (CHF) has taken a major step to better understand epilepsy in dogs with the launch of an Epilepsy Research Initiative. The goal of the Initiative is to provide dog owners and the veterinary community with improved methods for preventing and treating epilepsy in dogs.

Epilepsy research has been articulated by dog clubs, owners and veterinarians as an unmet need in the field of canine health. The seizure-related syndromes collectively known as epilepsy represent the most common neurological disorders in dogs. Data indicates that half of all dogs diagnosed with epilepsy are not able to achieve relief from seizures with the current drug therapies available, and current treatment options also carry possible negative side-effects.

According to Dr. Shila Nordone, CHF Chief Scientific Officer, “The Initiative aims to fund research grants that will better classify the disease, provide a more thorough understanding of the underlying mechanisms that predispose dogs to epilepsy, and introduce new drugs into the canine epilepsy treatment pipeline.” Dr. Nordone goes on to state, “CHF strives to be responsive to donors, dog owners and the veterinary community and we expect this major, two-phase research effort to have a wide-ranging impact on not only canine epilepsy, but epilepsy in humans as well.”

A Request for Proposal (RFP) went out to the research community in March 2014. Proposals are currently under review with funding announcements expected later in 2014. In order to qualify for funding, scientists are expected to deliver tangible outcomes that will help bring an understanding about the causes of epilepsy, as well as identify additional treatment options. Collaboration among researchers is required to translate results from bench to bedside as rapidly as possible.

Dog owners who have been impacted by epilepsy can access free resources on CHF’s website. Understanding Canine Epilepsy is a comprehensive, peer reviewed white paper on the current state of epilepsy research. This valuable resource, which includes a seizure diary, is ideal for pet owners and for veterinarians to distribute to clients. Also available on the CHF website is What to do if Your Dog Has a Seizure, which provides detailed information on what to do during and after your dog has a seizure.

CHF is grateful to the following dog clubs for their support of the Initiative:

Lead Epilepsy Initiative Sponsors ($25,000 - $49,999):
Giant Schnauzer Club of America
United States Australian Shepherd Foundation/USASA

Charter Epilepsy Initiative Sponsors ($10,000 - $24,999):
American Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Club Charitable Trust
Australian Shepherd Health & Genetics Institute
English Springer Spaniel Field Trial Association Foundation
German Shorthaired Pointer Club of America
Keeshond Club of America
Toby's Foundation

Epilepsy Initiative Sponsors ($2,500 - $9,999):
American Belgian Tervuren Club
American Pointer Club
Field Spaniel Society of America
Irish Water Spaniel Club of America

For information on how you can support the Canine Epilepsy Initiative, please contact chfgrants(at)akcchf(dot)org.

CHF is a non-profit organization dedicated to funding research to prevent, treat and cure canine disease. Visit CHF online at http://www.akcchf.org for more information about the Foundation. Like CHF on Facebook, follow CHF on Twitter @CanineHealthFnd, or connect with CHF on LinkedIn.

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About CHF
The AKC Canine Health Foundation (CHF) is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping dogs live longer, healthier lives by funding research that helps prevent, treat, and cure canine disease. Established in 1995, CHF’s mission is to advance the health of all dogs and their owners by funding sound, scientific research and supporting the dissemination of canine health information. Through the generous support of the American Kennel Club, Nestlé Purina PetCare, Zoetis (formerly Pfizer Animal Health), dog clubs, and dog owners worldwide, CHF has dedicated more than $40 million to canine health research projects and education programs. Visit CHF online athttp://www.akcchf.org for more information.