Research

I have been trying to find out more about any research going on into GME. Thanks to another blogger I have seen that there is a research grant open through the AKC Canine Health Foundation.

01731: A Novel Approach to Understanding How Meningoencephalomyelitis Develops In Dogs:

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.

Anyone interested in donating can do so via the website http://www.akcchf.org/research/funded-research/1731.html or by ordering one of the Fight GME bracelets on the Fight Granulomatous Meningoencephalitis Facebook page.

Anyway, I am still interested to know what other research is taking place and how the research findings are distributed to vets, particularly internationally. I have mailed the Foundation to find out more. I have also mailed the University of Pretoria in South Africa to find out if any research is being done here at home. The only snippets of papers I can find on the internet from a local perspective seem to be a good few years old and based on the fact that dogs are being treated differently nowadays I was hoping things would also be moving with the times in terms of research.

I am also going to try and find out generally how new breakthroughs and medications are shared here in South Africa. I will speak to Dr Strydom about that at some point as well. Surely if dogs are responding well to treatment there must be a means of sharing with other vets.

Holding thumbs for some responses