Any news on the epilepsy diet?

RE: Any news on the epilepsy diet?

Martin McDowell — Wed, 24 May 2017 16:35:12 GMT

Of course I would agree with you.

There is often hype about a product but it takes a while until there is both more empirical and independent research data available. I guess I wouldn't see harm in giving it if at least it lowers the frequency/intensity of the seizures and its not terribly expensive.

Was a little surprised that Purina was on this rather than some other, IMO more established veterinary diet manufacturers. Won't mention them as to not start a war

RE: Any news on the epilepsy diet?

Beats — Wed, 17 May 2017 21:27:51 GMT

[quote user="Martin McDowell"]> 71% of dogs showed a reduction in seizure frequency.
> 48% of dogs showed a 50% or greater reduction in seizure frequency.
> 14% of dogs achieved complete freedom from seizures.[/quote]

Those numbers don't sound great to me. I think epileptics make poor self-controls as the seizure frequency waxes and wanes often. new treatments (especially if experimental) are almost always started when seizure frequency is above that patient's general baseline... I appreciate there'll be more info on these figures out there than this, but I'd not be getting too excised unless I'd seen some fairly convincing data (or heard great reports of experience from respected colleagues).

RE: Any news on the epilepsy diet?

Jill Butterworth — Wed, 17 May 2017 21:19:57 GMT

Not sure how much you know, but it's a ketogenic diet. My sister is a specialist paediatric dietician and uses it in cases of refractory epilepsy (Arlo has some info/knowledge). It should be fairly easy to home make for a dog, it's like a trendy low carb, high fat and protein diet. You can check the urine for ketones to assess compliance/effectiveness.

RE: Any news on the epilepsy diet?

Martin McDowell — Tue, 16 May 2017 17:58:34 GMT

I would be too Glen. Especially if the numbers turn out to be even close to these:

> 71% of dogs showed a reduction in seizure frequency.
> 48% of dogs showed a 50% or greater reduction in seizure frequency.
> 14% of dogs achieved complete freedom from seizures.

However the CS representative on the other end of the line sounded more like luke-warm.

RE: Any news on the epilepsy diet?

Glenn Hodgson — Mon, 15 May 2017 22:41:19 GMT

I was at North American vet Congress to say that prurina were super excited would be an understatement. I don't suppose that helps you too much though.