Dogs with epilepsy exhibit distinct alterations in trace elements and heavy metal levels in their blood and fur compared with healthy counterparts according to findings from research being done by Sarah V. Rosendahl, DVM.
The results showed that dogs diagnosed with idiopathic epilepsy had significantly higher levels of selenium and copper and lower levels of chromium in the blood or fur compared to healthy dogs.
Source: Vet Practice, February 26, 2024. Link. At this time, it is not known whether the altered levels of trace elements are caused by too high or too low levels of intake of these elements in the diet or whether it is due to other factors. Rosendahl was not able to make any recommendations to reduce or increase the intake of specific trace elements in the dog’s diet.