Cyclooxygenase-2 Inhibition as an Add-On Strategy in Drug Resistant Epilepsy-A Canine Translational Study.

Drug-resistant epilepsy is a common complaint in dogs and affects up to 30% of dogs with idiopathic epilepsy. Experimental data suggest that targeting cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) mediated signaling might limit excessive excitability and prevent ictogenesis. Moreover, the role of COX-2 signaling in the seizure-associated induction of P-glycoprotein has been described.

Antiepileptic Drug Withdrawal in Dogs with Epilepsy.

Epilepsy is one of the most common neurological disorders in dogs and is treated by chronic administration of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs). In human beings with epilepsy, it is common clinical practice to consider drug withdrawal after a patient has been in remission (seizure free) for three or more years, but withdrawal is associated with the risk of relapse. In the present study, the consequences of AED withdrawal were studied in dogs with epilepsy.

Alterations of endocannabinoids in cerebrospinal fluid of dogs with epileptic seizure disorder.

Background: Epilepsy is one of the most common chronic neurological disorders in dogs characterized by recurrent seizures. The endocannabinoid (EC) system plays a central role in suppressing pathologic neuronal excitability and in controlling the spread of activity in an epileptic network. Endocannabinoids are released on demand and their dysregulation has been described in several pathological conditions.