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Review
. 2022 Dec:290:105917.
doi: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2022.105917. Epub 2022 Oct 28.

The role of nutrition in canine idiopathic epilepsy management: Fact or fiction?

Fien Verdoodt  1 , Antja Watanangura  2 , Sofie F M Bhatti  3 , Teresa Schmidt  4 , Jan S Suchodolski  5 , Luc Van Ham  3 , Sebastian Meller  6 , Holger A Volk  4 , Myriam Hesta  7
Affiliations
Review

The role of nutrition in canine idiopathic epilepsy management: Fact or fiction?

Fien Verdoodt et al. Vet J. 2022 Dec.

Abstract

In the last decade, nutrition has gained interest in the management of canine idiopathic epilepsy (IE) based on growing scientific evidence. Diets can serve their functions through many pathways. One potential pathway includes the microbiota-gut-brain axis, which highlights the relationship between the brain and the intestines. Changing the brain's energy source and a number of dietary sourced anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective factors appears to be the basis for improved outcomes in IE. Selecting a diet with anti-seizure effects and avoiding risks of proconvulsant mediators as well as interference with anti-seizure drugs should all be considered in canine IE. This literature review provides information about preclinical and clinical evidence, including a systematic evaluation of the level of evidence, suggested mechanism of action and interaction with anti-seizure drugs as well as pros and cons of each potential dietary adaptation in canine IE.

Keywords: Dog; Epilepsy; Medium chain triglycerides; Microbiota-gut-brain axis; Nutraceuticals.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of interest FV is currently working on a doctoral research project regarding the role of the GIM and nutrition in canine IE, which is financially supported by Nestle Purina. JS and MH are Members of the Advisory Board of Nestle Purina Petcare. JS receives consulting fees from Royal Canin and Hill’s Pet Nutrition, Inc. HV served as paid consultant in the field of epilepsy for Boehringer Ingelheim, CEVA Animal Health, Nestle Purina and as contract researcher for Boehringer Ingelheim, Desitin Pharma and Nestle Purina. MH has been paid for several consulting services by a variety of pet food companies. The authors have no other financial or personal relationships with other people or organisations that could inappropriately influence or bias the content of the paper.