To help donate to GME
research, please check out the link below to see my Heroes for Health Research
page I created.
http://k9hf.convio.net/site/TR/Events/General?pxfid=1180&fr_id=1062&pg=fund
Below is a new research project for finding a cause of MUE/GME
through a grant provided by the Canine Health Foundation. I have been in touch
with the neurologist heading this project. I told him I wanted to help any way
possible with his study! He needs NEWLY diagnosed cases, less than 1 week and
an MRI must have been performed. If anyone fits this description, please email me
at jaimeschultz10@gmail.com.
01731: Potential association between altered gut
microbiota and development of meningoencephalomyelitis of unknown etiology
(MUE) in dogs
Grant
Status: Open
Grant
Amount: $31,104
Dr.
Nick Jeffery, BVSc, Iowa State University
January 1, 2013
- December 31, 2014
Breed(s): Chihuahua, Dachshund, Maltese, Miniature Pinscher,
Miniature Poodle, Pug, West Highland White Terrier, Yorkshire Terrier
Disease(s): Meningoencephalitis
Abstract
This
project is aimed at finding a cause of 'meningoencephalomyelitis of unknown
etiology', otherwise known as 'MUE', which is a summary term for diseases such
as 'GME'. This group of conditions causes serious neurologic disease in dogs,
especially small breeds, including blindness, loss of balance, seizures and
paralysis - but the cause is currently unknown. A recent experimental
breakthrough has incriminated bacteria in the digestive system as triggers for
a similar disease in laboratory mice and rats. The main purpose of this project
is to find out whether imbalances in the number or type of digestive system
bacteria might also be a cause for MUE in dogs. If it was to be true it would
open a whole new avenue of approach to treatment of affected dogs and might
also produce information useful for treating neurologic disease in humans. To
carry out this investigation we will analyze fecal samples collected from
affected dogs for their content of bacteria. We will then compare the numbers
and type of bacteria with those we find in fecal samples from unaffected dogs.
Because we will be examining many dogs with MUE we will also be able to ask
owners other questions about their dogs' recent medications and medical history
to determine whether there are other risk factors that might be associated with
MUE.
http://www.akcchf.org/research/funded-research/1731.html
