Three Chromosome Areas have been identified that may be related to contributing to epilepsy in the Australian Shepherd Breed
As you may recall, Dr. Ned Patterson and his team at the University of Minnesota “in 2010--2011 performed a Genome Wide Association Scan (GWAS) with genetic markers for Idiopathic Epilepsy (IE) in 19 affected and 21 unaffected Australian shepherd (AS) dogs, and found a chromosomal region with a statistically significant association indicating that there is very likely to be a nearby genetic mutation related to epilepsy in Aussies.”
Below is the latest research news from Dr. Patterson’s 1st progress report for his Canine Health Foundation (CHF) grant “Identification of Idiopathic Epilepsy Genes in Australian Shepherds” that began January 1, 2012 and ends December 31, 2013. We are co-sponsoring this grant with $25,000 thanks to your generosity, support and help in the fight against canine epilepsy.
“Genetic marker data from 88 Australian Shepherds (44 cases and 44controls) total has now been analyzed with standard genetic association statistical analysis. This includes 25 new cases and 23 new controls during this grant period. So far there are two different chromosomes that continue to potentially contain an associated epilepsy gene or genes. We have identified and a new third potential area in the last 6 months.
We are continuing with additional in depth analysis, and working on finding the most likely genes in each area of each these 3 chromosomes that may be related to contributing to epilepsy, and we plan to find additional markers near candidate genes and/or sequence one or more candidate genes in the next 6-9 months. In addition we plan to utilize next generation DNA sequencing to sequence large portions of some of these 3 chromosomal areas in the next 6-9 months, if needed, in our search for genetic mutations contributing to epilepsy in Australian Shepherds."
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Single Dose Extended Release Anticonvulsant Shows Promise
Dr. Dawn Merton Boothe at Auburn University has completed her work evaluating extended release Keppra, and the results look promising!
From Morris Animal Foundation: “Thank you and everyone involved with Toby's Foundation for your generosity and support of Morris Animal Foundation’s commitment to creating a better and healthier tomorrow for animals. Because of the kindness of friends like you, the Foundation has been able to fund tremendous health breakthroughs for all animals, including dogs.”
“Toby's Foundation is a generous study co-sponsor of Dr. Boothe’s studyPharmacokinetics of Single Oral Dose Levetiracetam Extended Release Tablets in Healthy Adult Dogs(D10CA-060).”
“Pharmacokinetics of Single Oral Dose Levetiracetam Extended Release Tablets in Healthy Adult Dogs Dawn Merton Boothe, DVM, PhD D10CA-060”
“Results: Single Dose Extended Release Anticonvulsant Shows Promise
Epilepsy is a serious, late-onset seizure disorder that affects a large number of breeds and usually requires lifelong treatment. Dogs often develop a tolerance to therapy, so increasingly higher doses of anticonvulsants are needed. Previous studies showed that levetiracetam (commercially known as Keppra®), a human antiepileptic drug, is well tolerated by dogs, even at concentrations that exceed the maximum therapeutic range for humans. The drug also shows promise in controlling seizures. However, the half-life of levetiracetam is short in dogs. Researchers, funded by Morris Animal Foundation, studied the effectiveness in dogs of a new extended-release Keppra product that was recently approved for human-use. They found that the extended-release version levetiracetam is a safe, convenient anticonvulsant drug that can be given to dogs in a single oral dose with a longer half-life. These data suggest that the new product would be a better treatment option and would provide better long-term management of seizures in dogs with epilepsy.”
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There is still a lot of work to do until the researchers get a confirmed genetic mutation causing or contributing to epilepsy in the Australian Shepherd and develop a screening test. Please continue to help us by sending in a blood sample on your dog for Dr. Ned Patterson’s Aussie epilepsy research and by making a tax deductible donation to Toby’s Foundation to continue to help us in the fight against canine epilepsy. Please see the links below for the information you need to submit a blood sample on your dog to the University of Minnesota and to make a tax deductible donation to Toby’s Foundation. Blood samples from affected dogs are particularly needed. If you have any questions please visit our website and/or email us. Thank you!
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Blood draw at ASCA Nationals in Bakersfield, CA, November 2012: ASHGI is holding a blood draw for Dr. Ned Patterson’s Aussie epilepsy research study. This is a great opportunity to donate a blood sample on your dog for the research. Please visit the ASHGI website for details. If you can not attend the ASCA Nationals you can still submit a blood sample. Please see below.
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Submit Blood Samples
Please submit a blood sample from your dog. Samples are needed on affected dogs and dogs 10+ years old that have never had a seizure to serve as controls.
Please go to our website and click on the University of Minnesota. There you will find the instructions and forms you need to have drawn the blood sample and send it in.
