Quality of Life in Canine Epilepsy
Health-related quality of life is a recognized feature of many chronic diseases with various measures developed for children suffering from epilepsy and their carers. Although we recognise the negative impacts epilepsy can have on dogs and the changes owners are required to make, there is no valid instrument to measure the impact. Developing an instrument requires in depth knowledge of the behaviours and feelings associated with epilepsy. In order to achieve this, we need to carry-out in-depth interviews with owners of dogs with epilepsy to identify themes that correlate to quality of life.
What is the research study?
We are looking for owners of dogs with epilepsy to participate in a 1 hour interview to discuss the behaviour of your dog before and after a seizure and since being diagnosed with epilepsy and/or receiving medications. In addition, you will be asked some questions about how this has affected your own life and some of the feelings you have during and after a seizure. Participation is complete after the interview.
The entire interview will be audio recorded and these recordings will be fully transcribed. Once the transcription is complete the audio recordings will be destroyed.
Contact information.
If you wish to participate in this project, please contact:
Catherine Stalin
School of Biodiversity, One Health and Veterinary Medicine
College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences
University of Glasgow
Small Animal Hospital
464 Bearsden Road
Glasgow
G61 1QH
0141 330 5848
stalin@glasgow.ac.uk
If you do decide to take part, you will be given an information sheet to keep and be asked to sign a consent form. If you decide to take part, you are still free to withdraw at any time and without giving a reason.