New Studies on EEG and fMRI Offer Hope for Dogs with Epilepsy

Dog resting on a sofa in natural light, related to EEG and fMRI studies in dogs with epilepsy.

Exploring New Frontiers in Canine Epilepsy Treatment

Epilepsy is a pressing health issue affecting around 2% of dogs throughout their lives, making it the most prevalent neurological disorder in canines. The American Kennel Club (AKC) Canine Health Foundation recognizes the critical need for innovation in treatment and is financing important research initiatives aimed at improving canine health.

Electroencephalography: A Promising Diagnostic Tool

The first of these initiatives focuses on electroencephalography (EEG), a technique that offers a real-time insight into canine brain activity. The study titled “Assessment of Frequency of Seizures and Antiseizure Drug (ASD) Efficacy by Electroencephalography (EEG) for Dogs with Epilepsy” is being led by Dr. Fiona James from the University of Guelph. With a grant of $83,318, this research will evaluate the relationship between reported seizure frequencies and EEG data, as well as the effectiveness of current antiseizure medications.

Functional MRI: Investigating Underlying Causes

Meanwhile, researchers at North Carolina State University are employing functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to delve deeper into the neurological mechanisms behind epilepsy. The project “Investigating Neuronal Network Connectivity in Dogs with Idiopathic Epilepsy using Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging” is focusing on two groups: dogs with epilepsy and a healthy control group, each consisting of ten dogs. Funded with a grant of $75,840, the study aims to reveal alterations in brain connectivity that might correlate with seizure activity.

Clinical Significance: Understanding Seizure Manifestations

Seizures can manifest in various ways, ranging from mild focal seizures to more severe generalized ones. Understanding these differences will not only benefit veterinary professionals in diagnosing but also enrich the conversation around treatment options for canine epilepsy. Symptoms may include stiffening of limbs, uncontrollable chewing, and loss of bladder control, among other signs.

Why This Research Matters to Veterinary Practices

For veterinary clinic owners and practitioners, keeping up with the latest in canine epilepsy treatments is essential not only for better patient care but also for attracting clients who are increasingly informed about their pet's health. Supporting and understanding these advancements in research can enhance your clinic's reputation as a leader in pet care.

To learn more about these groundbreaking studies or to contribute to canine health, consider making a donation to the AKC Canine Health Foundation.

Operations

0 Views

0 Comments

Write A Comment

Related Posts All Posts

06.10.2025

Unlocking Growth: The Power of Customer Feedback in Veterinary Practices

Update Why Customer Feedback is Key in Veterinary Practices In today's highly competitive veterinary market, understanding and prioritizing customer feedback has never been more essential. It transcends mere client satisfaction; it acts as a guiding compass for growth and community engagement. For veterinary clinic owners and practitioners, the opinions of pet owners provide crucial insights that can directly influence service delivery and business strategy. Transforming Feedback into Innovation Every suggestion and piece of feedback from clients represents a data point that can trigger innovation. When clients express needs for specific services, you can adapt and enhance your offerings accordingly. For example, if multiple clients mention the difficulty of scheduling appointments, introducing flexible online booking could dramatically enhance their experience. Just like Purity Coffee learned from their customers' needs for eco-friendly pods, veterinary clinics can benefit from continually evolving based on client feedback. Building Trust and Loyalty Through Active Listening Actively seeking and addressing feedback not only validates your clients’ opinions but also fosters loyalty and trust. For example, when clients see their suggestions lead to concrete changes, they are more likely to remain loyal to your clinic. Acknowledging feedback, be it positive or critical, can enhance your reputation significantly. Online engagement is crucial too; by responding to reviews on platforms like Google and Facebook, you demonstrate commitment to customer care. Creating a Thriving Community Around Your Clinic Engaging clients through feedback cultivates a sense of community. Encourage clients to share their experiences, thus creating a platform for dialogue surrounding their pets’ health and well-being. This not only builds rapport but deepens their emotional connection to your clinic. Over time, this community spirit can lead to word-of-mouth referrals which are invaluable for your business. Actionable Steps for Collecting Feedback To maximize the benefits of customer feedback, implement strategies for effectively encouraging and gathering it. Here are some actionable insights: Create Easy Channels: Use digital surveys, social media, or in-clinic comment cards to solicit feedback. Ensure these channels are accessible and easy to navigate. Make It Routine: Regularly ask for feedback after appointments via email or SMS. This continual dialogue can offer ongoing insights into client experiences. Celebrate Contributions: Publicly acknowledge and appreciate client feedback. Feature testimonials on your website and social media to show clients their voices matter, establishing mutual respect. Using Feedback to Shape Future Strategies Lastly, don't underestimate the power of analyzing feedback trends. For instance, if several clients are concerned about wait times, examining operational efficiency may uncover changes that improve client satisfaction. Feedback-driven adaptations can streamline processes and ultimately minimize operational costs, benefiting your bottom line. Conclusion For veterinary clinics eager to attract new clients and retain existing ones, leveraging customer feedback is invaluable. By actively engaging with pet owners, clinics can not only improve services but also foster a loyal, thriving community of satisfied clients. Embrace the power of feedback today; it's not just about making improvements—it's about building meaningful relationships that will drive your practice's success.

06.10.2025

4 Innovative Ways Influencers Make Money That Veterinary Clinics Can Learn From

Update Understanding Influencer Monetization Strategies In a digital age dominated by social media, the pathways for influencers to generate income have grown far beyond traditional brand deals and sponsored posts. This evolution presents an opportunity not just for influencers but also for business owners who may consider collaborations with these digital creators. Here, we explore four innovative income streams that influencers are utilizing to diversify their revenue and provide valuable insights for veterinary clinic owners who are looking to enhance their own profitability and operational strategies. 1. Publishing Books: A Unique Narrative For creatives, books serve as a powerful vehicle to expand their brand and reach new audiences. While it might seem that publishing a book is a relic of the pre-internet days, influencers like Chris Burkard have proven otherwise. His eighth book, The Boy Who Spoke To The Earth, has garnered significant sales, turning into an asset that promotes both his storytelling ability and visual aesthetics. For veterinary clinics, collaborating with local pet influencers who publish books can increase visibility. Imagine a well-known pet advocate authoring a book on pet care, with your clinic featured as a recommended resource. This collaboration can enhance your clinic's reputation, attracting new clients who seek credible information. 2. Selling Consumer Goods: The Direct Approach Similarly, influencer Cole Walliser capitalizes on his vast following by launching a coffee brand, CREO. This business venture not only monetizes his artistic passion but also connects with his audience in a meaningful way. By promoting a product that resonates with his community and offering unique items that reflect his identity, he grows his brand and community engagement. Veterinary clinics can take a page from this playbook by developing branded merchandise or health products. Imagine a line of specialty pet foods or calming treats sold directly through your practice, building loyalty among your clients while ensuring an additional revenue stream. Pet owners love to support businesses that cater specifically to their furry friends. 3. Educational Workshops: Cultivating Expertise Given the rising interest in pet care and holistic health, influencers are branching out into educational workshops. This model allows them to share their knowledge and skills while simultaneously generating income. Veterinary professionals could offer workshops facilitated by influencers to educate pet owners on subjects ranging from advanced training techniques to nutrition. Additionally, such collaborations can bolster your clinic's reputation as an authority in pet care, attracting clients passionate about learning and investing in their pets’ well-being. 4. Subscription and Membership Models: Building Community Finally, subscription services are reshaping the influencer landscape. By creating exclusive content or merchandise for subscribers, influencers maintain consistent engagement with their audience. This financially reliable model creates a community atmosphere, supportive of monetization. For veterinary clinics, consider implementing a membership program offering specialized content, discounts on services, and exclusive events for pet owners. Leveraging relationships with local pet influencers to promote this initiative can significantly amplify your clinic's outreach. Concluding Thoughts From books to consumer goods and educational initiatives, influencers are redefining their financial trajectories by diversifying income sources. As veterinary clinics continue to evolve, exploring collaborative opportunities with influencers can not only enhance operational profitability but also strengthen community ties. Given the critical role that trust plays in this industry, aligning with credible influencers can help clinics establish a positive reputation while fostering deeper connections with clients.

06.09.2025

Unlocking the Benefits of Probiotics for Veterinary Health

Update Probiotics: The New Frontier in Veterinary Health In recent years, the field of veterinary medicine has seen a burgeoning interest in probiotics and prebiotics, which are increasingly recognized for their potential benefits in managing gastrointestinal (GI) health issues in pets. Probiotics, defined as live microorganisms that can confer health benefits when administered in adequate amounts, can play an integral role in supporting intestinal health and enhancing immune function. Their combination with prebiotics—non-digestible substances that promote the growth of beneficial microbes—has led to the development of synbiotic products that maximize these health benefits. Understanding the Science Behind Probiotics Research has identified key characteristics that determine the efficacy of probiotics, such as their ability to adhere to the intestinal epithelium and their antimicrobial properties. For veterinary practitioners, it’s essential to understand how these elements work to support the microbiome and improve digestive health. Current evidence supports the effective use of probiotics in managing conditions such as acute diarrhea and chronic enteropathy in dogs and cats, especially in instances where traditional management approaches have fallen short. Real-World Applications and Benefits A practical understanding of how probiotics assist with GI health can enhance client conversations and lead to improved patient outcomes. Studies show that probiotics can reduce diarrhea severity and duration significantly—by up to 41%—in dogs experiencing self-limiting gastroenteritis. Furthermore, it has been noted that probiotics can alleviate hyporexia and vomiting while also reducing the use of rescue therapies such as antibiotics, which can negatively impact the microbiome. Expanding the Conversation with Clients As veterinarians, embracing the growing trend of using probiotics and synbiotics not only aligns with client interest in natural alternatives but also reflects a proactive approach to wellness. Educating pet owners about the importance of maintaining gut health could resonate especially well, as more pet owners seek to avoid the side effects of conventional treatments. This means that integrating these products into your practice could lead to increased client satisfaction and better health outcomes for their pets. Concluding Thoughts: Opportunities for the Future The rising demand for probiotics and synbiotics in veterinary medicine presents a unique opportunity for clinic owners and practitioners. By staying informed and integrating evidence-based treatments into practice, veterinary clinics can optimize operations while meeting client expectations for holistic pet health solutions. As we embrace new knowledge and technologies, the future of GI health in veterinary medicine looks promising.