Whole blood trace element and toxic metal concentration in dogs with idiopathic epilepsy and healthy dogs: A case-control study

Abstract

BackgroundIdiopathic epilepsy (IE) is the most common neurological disease in dogs. Multiple genes and environmental factors interact to cause clinical signs, although the pathogenesis remains poorly understood. Extensive evidence from recent decades shows that trace elements play a role in epilepsy in humans, and recently it was shown for the first time that also dogs with IE have altered trace element status. On the other hand, toxic metals may cause seizures but research on their role in canine IE is lacking. Therefore, we aimed to investigate trace element and toxic metal concentrations in whole blood from dogs that had been diagnosed with IE and compare them to those of healthy dogs.Materials and methodsWhole blood concentrations of trace elements (selenium, zinc, copper, manganese, iron, and chromium) and toxic metals (arsenic, cadmium, mercury, and lead) were analyzed from 19 dogs that had been diagnosed with IE by board-certified neurologists and 19 healthy control dogs using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The concentrations in study and control group were compared using the Mann-Whitney U test.ResultsDogs diagnosed with IE had significantly higher blood copper concentration (P = 0.007), higher copper/zinc ratio (P = 0.04), and higher selenium concentration (P < 0.001), as well as lower chromium concentration (P = 0.01) when compared to healthy dogs. Treatment of IE with potassium bromide was associated with a significant elevation in blood arsenic concentration (P = 0.01).ConclusionIn conclusion, the present results support the role of altered trace element status in dogs diagnosed with IE and suggest that copper, selenium, and chromium may be involved in the pathogenesis of canine epilepsy or seizures. The results also suggest that potassium bromide may alter arsenic metabolism in dogs.

Mineral, trace element, and toxic metal concentration in hair from dogs with idiopathic epilepsy compared to healthy controls

“…Hair Se concentration in 50 healthy dogs is 0.10‐1.33 μg/g, and in the current study, 51 of the 63 epileptic dogs (81%) had values above that range. Dogs with IE have significantly higher Se concentration also in whole blood 47 . Human epileptic patients have lower serum Se compared to healthy people, based on a meta‐analysis, 48 and Se supplementation reduces seizures 49 .…”

“…Dogs with IE have significantly higher Se concentration also in whole blood. 47 Human epileptic patients have lower serum Se compared to healthy people, based on a meta‐analysis, 48 and Se supplementation reduces seizures. 49 Dogs are less likely to be deficient in Se than humans, as they usually eat balanced commercial diets which follow micronutrient recommendations by the European Pet Food Industry (FEDIAF).…”