Effects of essential fatty acid supplementation in dogs with idiopathic epilepsy: A clinical trial

doi:10.1016/j.tvjl.2011.04.018

The Veterinary Journal

Volume 191, Issue 3, March 2012, Pages 396-398

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tvjl.2011.04.018 Get rights and content

Abstract

The effects of essential fatty acid supplementation (EFA) on the control of idiopathic epilepsy in dogs were investigated in a blinded, placebo-controlled trial. Fifteen dogs were treated with triple purified Ω-3 oil containing 400 mg eicosapentaenoic acid, 250 mg docosahexaenoic acid and 22 mg vitamin E per 1.5 mL at a dose of 1.5 mL/10 kg once daily for 12 weeks, followed by a 12 week placebo period of supplementation with olive oil. Owners recorded seizure frequency and severity and any adverse events. EFA supplementation did not reduce seizure frequency or severity in dogs with idiopathic epilepsy.

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Conflict of interest statement

This trial was supported by VetPlus, which supplied the Gomega EFA supplements used in the study. None of the authors of this paper has a financial or personal relationship with other people or organisations that could inappropriately influence or bias the content of this paper.

Acknowledgements

The authors wish to thank Stephen Barabas of VetPlus for supplying the Gomega EFA supplements and the placebo used in this study and for his help and support of this project.

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Citation Excerpt :
Lastly, DHA and EPA can increase mitochondrial uncoupling protein expression, resulting in a reduction in ROS generation (Sullivan et al., 2004; Davis et al., 2008). Only two publications investigated the use of omega-3 fatty acids in dogs with IE (Scorza et al., 2009; Matthews et al., 2012). A reduction in SF was first described in a case report about a two-year-old female Great Dane diagnosed with IE on an appropriate dose of phenobarbital (Pb).
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.
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In veterinary medicine, there remains a lack of data regarding dietary intervention for epilepsy management. In comparison to human medicine, few studies exist on the use of nutritional management in dogs with IE (Matthews et al., 2012; Scorza et al., 2013; Scorza et al., 2009b). In 2004, a trial of eight dogs with drug-resistant epilepsy and signs of gastrointestinal hypersensitivity treated with an exclusion diet was reported (Lujan et al., 2004).
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An abstract reporting on a retrospective evaluation of the use of hypoallergenic diet in dogs with poorly controlled seizures described improved seizure control in 7 of 8 dogs, although the full results of this study have not been published in a peer-reviewed source.103 A randomized controlled trial evaluating the use of essential fatty acid supplementation in 15 dogs with refractory epilepsy found no significant difference in seizure frequency between fatty acid supplementation and placebo.104 Additional studies are warranted to further explore the potential role of dietary modification in the treatment of epilepsy.
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Short CommunicationEffects of essential fatty acid supplementation in dogs with idiopathic epilepsy: A clinical trial

Abstract

Section snippets

Conflict of interest statement

Acknowledgements

Progress in Neuro-Psychopharmacology Biological Psychiatry

The Veterinary Journal

Neuroscience

Veterinary Clinics of North America Small Animal Practice

European Journal of Pharmacology

Short Communication
Effects of essential fatty acid supplementation in dogs with idiopathic epilepsy: A clinical trial