Gut Brain Axis and its Role for Epilepsy Management

Presentation Description / Summary: Two thirds of owners do change their dog’s nutrition after its diagnosis of epilepsy. However, what is the current evidence about the possibilities and limitation of nutrition for the management of epilepsy and its comorbidities? Diets and drugs can influence the microbiota-gut-brain axis, but do they change just the microbiota function or its composition? Evidence is increasing that changing the brain’s energy source can improve seizure control, but also dietary sourced anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective factors could play a role. We will discuss in this presentation how to select a diet which does not interfere negatively with anti-seizure drugs, has anti-seizure effects and avoids risks of proconvulsant mediators. We will also discuss if changing the microbiome directly through fecal transfer could influence epilepsy. In brief, this presentation aims to provide an overview about preclinical and clinical evidence, suggested mechanism of action and interaction with anti-seizure drugs as well as pros and cons of each potential dietary adaptation in canine epilepsy.

Learner Outcomes: 1. The delegates will understand the evidence of diet change in canine epilepsy management and be able to apply them afterwards in their clinical practice. 2. The delegates will understand the limitations of nutrition in canine epilepsy management.