For dog owners dealing with the challenges of canine epilepsy, the focus is often on finding treatments that can reduce the frequency and severity of seizures. Medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) oil has emerged as a promising supplement for managing epilepsy in dogs, with extensive research backing its effectiveness in seizure control. However, the benefits of MCT oil go beyond just managing seizures. In this article, we’ll explore the additional advantages of MCT oil for dogs with epilepsy, delving into the science behind its wide-ranging effects on overall dog health.
1) Enhanced Cognitive Function and Brain Health
One of the remarkable benefits of MCT oil is its positive impact on brain health and cognitive function. The brain typically relies on glucose for energy, but in dogs with epilepsy, glucose metabolism may be impaired. MCT oil provides an alternative fuel source in the form of ketones, which can cross the blood-brain barrier and support brain function.
The Science Behind It:
Research has shown that ketones, produced when MCTs are metabolised in the liver, can enhance cognitive function by providing a more stable and efficient energy source for the brain. This is particularly beneficial for dogs with epilepsy, where consistent brain energy levels are crucial. While specific studies on MCT oil’s impact on cognitive function in dogs are still emerging, there is growing evidence in human and animal models that MCT oil supports brain health, potentially mitigating cognitive decline associated with chronic seizure activity.
2 ) Reduction in Anxiety-Like Behaviours
Living with epilepsy can be stressful for dogs, leading to increased anxiety and related behaviours. MCT oil has been shown to have a calming effect, helping to reduce anxiety-like behaviours in dogs with seizures.
The Science Behind It:
A study on the effects of an MCT-enriched diet in rats demonstrated a significant reduction in anxiety-like behaviours, suggesting that MCT oil could influence brain regions involved in emotion regulation, such as the medial prefrontal cortex. While this study was conducted on rats, the findings align with observations in clinical settings where dog owners reported improvements in behaviour after adding MCT oil to their pets' diets. This reduction in anxiety is believed to result from the stabilisation of brain energy metabolism and a decrease in oxidative stress.
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3) Improved Social Competitiveness and Behaviour
Dogs with epilepsy often experience behavioural changes due to their condition or the side effects of medication. These changes can include increased aggression, withdrawal, or difficulty in social interactions. MCT oil may help improve social behaviour and competitiveness, making it easier for dogs with epilepsy to interact positively with other animals and humans.
The Science Behind It:
In animal studies, particularly involving rodents, MCT oil was found to improve social competitiveness and reduce behavioural issues associated with anxiety and stress. While specific data on social competitiveness in dogs is limited, anecdotal reports and owner surveys in trials suggest that dogs on an MCT-enriched diet show improved social behaviour and reduced aggression. This improvement is thought to be due to MCT oil’s ability to balance neurotransmitter levels in the brain, enhancing the calming effects of GABA and reducing the overstimulation caused by glutamate.
4) Neuroprotective Effects
Chronic seizures can cause damage to the brain over time, leading to cognitive decline and other neurological issues. MCT oil has been found to offer neuroprotective benefits, helping to safeguard the brain from the long-term effects of seizures.
The Science Behind It:
Research indicates that MCT oil helps reduce oxidative stress in the brain, a key factor in the progression of neurological damage. A multicenter trial involving dogs with epilepsy demonstrated that those supplemented with MCT oil showed not only a reduction in seizure frequency but also signs of improved overall neurological health. This neuroprotective effect is crucial for maintaining long-term brain health in dogs with epilepsy, potentially slowing the progression of the disease and preserving cognitive function.
5) Mitigation of Side Effects from Anti-Seizure Medications
One of the challenges of managing canine epilepsy is dealing with the side effects of anti-seizure medications, which can include sedation and other behavioural changes. MCT oil may help mitigate these side effects, improving the overall quality of life for dogs with epilepsy.
The Science Behind It:
Berk's multicenter trial found that dogs receiving MCT oil along with their regular anti-seizure medications experienced fewer side effects, such as sedation and ataxia (loss of motor function control / wobbly legs). By supporting the brain's energy metabolism and enhancing its ability to function under the influence of medications, MCT oil helps reduce the negative impact of these drugs on your dog's daily life.
6) Reduction in Fatigue
Epilepsy and its treatment can lead to fatigue in dogs, affecting their energy levels and overall vitality. MCT oil provides a quick and efficient source of energy, which can help combat fatigue and improve your dog’s daily activity levels.
The Science Behind It:
MCTs are rapidly absorbed and converted into energy by the liver, which can boost your dog’s overall vitality. This is particularly important for dogs with epilepsy, who may suffer from lethargy as a result of their condition or the medications used to treat it. The energy provided by MCT oil can help keep your dog more active and engaged throughout the day, enhancing their quality of life.
7) Improvement in Motor Function
Dogs with epilepsy often experience motor function issues, such as ataxia, as a side effect of seizures or medication. MCT oil has shown promise in improving motor function, allowing dogs to move more freely and with better coordination.
The Science Behind It:
The trial involving dogs with epilepsy found that those supplemented with MCT oil showed improvements in motor function, including reduced ataxia. This benefit is likely due to the stabilising effect MCT oil has on the brain, supporting better communication between neurons and improving overall motor control.
Conclusion: MCT Oil for Dogs with Epilepsy: The Benefits Beyond Seizure Management
MCT oil is proving to be more than just a tool for managing seizures in dogs with epilepsy. Its wide-ranging benefits, from enhancing cognitive function to reducing anxiety, mitigating side effects, combating fatigue, and improving motor function, make it a valuable supplement for improving the overall health and well-being of dogs with this challenging condition. As always, it's important to consult with your veterinarian before adding any new supplement to your dog’s diet, but the growing body of research suggests that MCT oil could be a game changer for dogs with epilepsy.
By supporting brain health, improving behaviour, and boosting overall vitality, MCT oil offers hope and relief not only for dogs with seizures but also for the owners who care for them.
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References:
Berk, Benjamin Andreas, et al. "Metabolic fingerprinting of dogs with idiopathic epilepsy receiving a ketogenic medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) oil." *Frontiers in veterinary science* 9 (2022): 935430.
Han, Felicity Y., et al. "Dietary medium chain triglycerides for management of epilepsy: New data from human, dog, and rodent studies." *Epilepsia* 62.8 (2021): 1790-1806.
Berk, Benjamin Andreas, et al. "A double-blinded randomised dietary supplement crossover trial design to investigate the short-term influence of medium chain fatty acid (MCT) supplement on canine idiopathic epilepsy: study protocol." *BMC veterinary research* 15 (2019): 1-14.
Berk, Benjamin A., et al. "A multicenter randomized controlled trial of medium‐chain triglyceride dietary supplementation on epilepsy in dogs." *Journal of veterinary internal medicine* 34.3 (2020): 1248-1259.
Yudkoff, Marc, et al. "Ketosis and brain handling of glutamate, glutamine, and GABA." *Epilepsia* 49 (2008): 73-75.
Watanabe, Shinji, and Shougo Tsujino. "Applications of medium-chain triglycerides in foods." *Frontiers in nutrition* 9 (2022): 802805.
Chang, Pishan, et al. "Seizure control by ketogenic diet-associated medium chain fatty acids." *Neuropharmacology* 69 (2013): 105-114.
Chang, Pishan, et al. "Seizure control by derivatives of medium chain fatty acids associated with the ketogenic diet show novel branching-point structure for enhanced potency." *Journal of pharmacology and experimental therapeutics* 352.1 (2015): 43-52.
Hollis, Fiona, et al. "Medium chain triglyceride diet reduces anxiety-like behaviors and enhances social competitiveness in rats." *Neuropharmacology* 138 (2018): 245-256.
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