Brain imaging
Treatment of a dog with anxiety disorder
Anxiety disorders are an important problem in dogs. They have a baleful influence on the animal's welfare and disturb the relationship between dog and owner. In addition, these disorders can force owners to lodge their dogs in an animal shelter or even lead to the decision to euthanize the animal. Up till now, the traditional treatment consists of behavioural therapy usually combined with medication. Alongside the traditional treatment, anxiety disorders can also be treated with neuromodulating techniques, by analogy with human psychiatry. Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a painless neuromodulating technique that can be used when the traditional therapy has failed.
We are currently conducting imaging research into the effects of medication and neuromodulating techniques in dogs with anxiety disorders. The first promising results show that TMS in dogs with anxiety disorders is able to influence the areas in the dog's brain associated with behaviour. This alteration in the brain was accomponied by positive behavioural changes.
Within the framework of an acknowledged project, we can offer you this treatment combined with functional medical imaging.
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First we perform a functional brain scan in order to see if and where there are problems in the functioning of the brain. This is carried out by a PET or a gamma camera.
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When the choice has been made to treat the animal with the neurostimulating method TMS, we determine the exact location of the brain area that needs stimulating on the basis of an MRI. This is carried out with a technique called neuronavigation.
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Once we have pinpointed the area, we can start stimulating it. We use a probe that develops a magnetic field in the area that needs stimulation.
How is it done?
- Your dogs is expected at the Faculty of Veterinary Medine at Ghent University (department of medical imaging). We will take a scan of the brains and carry out a physical and blood examination to exclude any other issues or problems.
- An appointment is made with a veterinary specialist in animal behaviour who will perform a behavioural evaluation.
- We will discuss all the different steps of the treatment with you, both orally and by means of brochures.
- After the treatment we will make images again in order to examine the effect of the treatment.
More information? Mail to Anouck.Haverbeke@ugent.be or Sofie.Salden@ugent.be
SPECT brain imaging
This is a three dimensional imaging technique that shows the function of the brain. CT and MRI predominantly show the anatomic part. There are however defects, e.g. behavioural disorders that are only visible with functional imaging (SPECT). For this kind of imaging we use slightly radioactive material which does not constitute any risk or danger for your animal. The owner will be informed in detail about all the necessary measures linked to this type of imaging.
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