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The Gut–Brain Axis in Epilepsy and Cognitive Dysfunction

Speaker:

Holger Volk, DVM, DECVN, PhD, PGCAP, FHEA, MRCVS 

Event date: 15–16 November 2023 Virtual Event 

Substantial crosstalk occurs between the gut, including microbiome, and the brain. This crosstalk involves the nervous system, via the vagal nerve, and the bloodstream. 

Seizures are the most significant feature of epilepsy, and produce stress responses in epileptic dogs and their owners. But seizures are only one part of the bigger picture of epilepsy. The gut–brain axis plays an important role in the development and management of epilepsy and its associated cognitive dysfunction. In addition, the gut microbiomes of epileptic and non-epileptic dogs are different. 

Dietary modification can play an important role in managing dogs with epilepsy and aged dogs with cognitive dysfunction. Dr. Volk shares findings from his research into the effects of medium-chain triglyceride supplementation and fecal microbiota transplantation in dogs with idiopathic epilepsy.

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