Mineral, Trace Element, and Toxic Metal Concentration in Hair From Dogs With Idiopathic Epilepsy Compared to Healthy Controls

The study analyzed hair samples from 63 dogs with idiopathic epilepsy (IE) and 42 healthy controls, finding significant differences in mineral and trace element concentrations. Dogs with IE had lower phosphorus and higher levels of copper, zinc, selenium, and arsenic, with a higher copper/zinc ratio. These differences were more pronounced in dogs treated with antiseizure drugs, particularly potassium bromide, which was associated with elevated arsenic levels. The findings suggest that trace element imbalances may play a role in the pathophysiology of IE in dogs, and hair analysis could be a useful method for assessing long-term trace element status. Further research is needed to explore the impact of these imbalances on epilepsy development and management.