Canine Guinea Pigs Wanted for Epilepsy Drug Trial
Promising treatment needs hundreds of testers
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Dogs must be at least 4 months old and 11 pounds to qualify for the trial.
It is estimated that more than 4 million dogs in the U.S. suffer from epileptic seizures but a new drug being tested in the Bay Area is showing promise as a way to control the scary episodes.
"If the seizure lasts more than five minutes, or if seizures happen multiple times in the same day, it’s an emergency situation." James Lavely, veterinary neurologist at VCA Animal Care Center in Rohnert Park said. "Any seizure can be serious, so in all cases, be sure to notify your family veterinarian about the suspected seizure and behavior you’ve observed in your pet."
Hundreds of dogs are needed for the clinical trial before it can get FDA approval.
To qualify, dogs must be at least four months old, 11 pounds, not pregnant, have no history of anti-seizure medication and no previous history of seizure clusters.
Dogs that fit the criteria are eligible for free diagnostic testing and possibly free CT or MRI scans to rule out any other neurological problems that could be causing the seizures.
Find out more at helpfordogswithseizures.com.
