Health Report Final - Flipbook - Page 59
Idiopathic (genetic) epilepsy
Idiopathic epilepsy or gene c epilepsy as it is now known is the condi on of repeated
seizures over the course of a pet’s life without an iden fied cause despite extensive tes ng
(such as bloodwork, MRI, spinal fluid sampling, etc.) Idiopathic epilepsy is one of the most
common chronic neurologic problems affec ng pets. IE occurs in about 75% of dogs with
seizures but only about 33% of cats with seizures.
In dogs with epilepsy, seizures typically occur between six months and six years of age. In
cats with epilepsy, seizures typically occur before 8 years of age. Dogs and cats with
seizures outside this age range are more likely to have an underlying cause for their
seizures.
To date there have been 7 dogs (6 with recurrent seizures) reported in the past 2 years
with confirmed idiopathic epilepsy. One dog has only had one seizure post whelping and
remains well. All dogs can be linked to a common ancestor as is o en seen in idiopathic
epilepsy.
Unfortunately, as most dogs develop the problem as adults some of the dogs developing
this condi on have already produced offspring who have also gone on to seizure.
Recommenda ons
1)
Monitor for further dogs within these lines with seizures
2)
Members to report any incidence of seizure in their dogs to the WCSS
Health Advisory Panel and the CSC health subcommi ee
3)
Where possible all dogs (able to be tested) that develop idiopathic epilepsy
should be DNA tested, and DNA submi ed to the Kennel Club Gene cs
centre to become part of the epilepsy project being run.
4)
No dog that has seizures should be bred from.
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