A first-of-its-kind clinical trial by the University of Glasgow’s Small Animal Hospital could drastically improve the lives of dogs suffering from epilepsy.

Conducted in association with the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, the METriC trial is testing a new medication, Ant-134, on dogs with severe epilepsy.

The university said the new medication, never used in dogs or humans, is showing encouraging results, with affected dogs demonstrating reduced symptoms and better overall health.

The most common neurological disorder in dogs is Canine Epilepsy, which affects about one in 130 dogs across the UK and often proves life changing for both the canine and its owner.

Glasgow Times: Dr Rodrigo Gutierrez Quintana at the University of Glasgow Small Animal Hospital

While some instances can be managed with medication, up to one in three epileptic dogs do not respond to current anti-seizure medication.

The METriC trial is testing Ant-134’s ability to ‘silence’ the molecule miRNA-134, which is known to be involved in epilepsy.

Suppressing the molecule could potentially enhance neurological protections, alleviate seizures and provide necessary control over the disease.

Earlier testing in mice showed promising signs of lasting seizure control without negative side-effects.

Dr Rodrigo Gutierrez Quintana, senior university clinician in veterinary neurology, said: “Some dogs suffering from canine epilepsy can be very difficult to treat, affecting the dog’s quality of life, and causing distress and frustration for owners and veterinarians.

"For this reason, we decided to organise the METriC trial, to try and find a new way of treating epilepsy that could help these dogs and their owners.

“We are still in an early phase of the trial, but so far we have observed very good responses in some of the dogs treated with Ant-134.

"Our findings so far support continuation of the trial, and we are keen to continue recruiting dogs to further this important research.”

Rob and Dianne Hewgill enrolled their seven year old golden cavalier, Oscar, in the trial after all traditional options had failed.

After the first treatment, Oscar didn’t have seizures for three months and since the second treatment, he has been back to normal and seizure free.

Further treatment and observation are ongoing to determine the continued effectiveness of the trial.

Dianne said: "Our local vet suggested the trial and, to be honest, it sounded promising. We had nothing to lose at that point and thought it was worth a try. And it has been incredible to see Oscar – who is otherwise healthy – be back to being a normal and happy dog; it’s been a revelation.

“If we hadn’t got Oscar on the trial, he 100% wouldn’t be here, so we are very grateful for the opportunity and all the hard work the Glasgow University team have put in to make the trial a reality – it’s been life changing.”

Rob appreciates the regular check-ups provided by the Glasgow team, giving him a broad understanding of the trial's progression.