International Veterinary Epilepsy Task Force’s current understanding of idiopathic epilepsy of genetic or suspected genetic origin in purebred dogs

Abstract

Canine idiopathic epilepsy is a common neurological disease affecting both purebred and crossbred dogs. Various breed-specific cohort, epidemiological and genetic studies have been conducted to date, which all improved our knowledge and general understanding of canine idiopathic epilepsy, and in particular our knowledge of those breeds studied. However, these studies also frequently revealed differences between the investigated breeds with respect to clinical features, inheritance and prevalence rates. Awareness and observation of breed-specific differences is important for successful management of the dog with epilepsy in everyday clinical practice and furthermore may promote canine epilepsy research. The following manuscript reviews the evidence available for breeds which have been identified as being predisposed to idiopathic epilepsy with a proven or suspected genetic background, and highlights different breed specific clinical features (e.g. age at onset, sex, seizure type), treatment response, prevalence rates and proposed inheritance reported in the literature. In addition, certain breed-specific diseases that may act as potential differentials for idiopathic epilepsy are highlighted.

Retrospective epidemiological study of canine epilepsy in Japan using the International Veterinary Epilepsy Task Force classification 2015 (2003–2013): etiological distribution, risk factors, survival time, and lifespan

“…We found that the prevalence of epilepsy was approximately 1.9 % in all dogs that presented to the teaching hospital (referrals only), and 0.9 and 0.4 % for IdE and StE, respectively. These percentages are similar to previous studies reporting 1–2.6 % for epilepsy in veterinary referral clinics, and 0.5–5 % for IdE in primary clinics [7]. These findings suggest that differences in breeds or countries are not associated with prevalence of epilepsy.…”

“…The breeds, Lagotto Romganolo ( LGI2 mutation) [18] and Belgian Shepherd ( ADAM23 mutation) [19], which exhibit genetic epilepsy, were not present in this study. However, 53 dogs (nine breeds) were from the breeds listed as having suspected genetic epilepsy in an IVETF report [7]. …”

Comparison of electroencephalographic findings with hippocampal magnetic resonance imaging volumetry in dogs with idiopathic epilepsy

“…In dogs, the prevalence of epilepsy is estimated to range from 0.5% to 5%. The International Veterinary Epilepsy Task Force (IVETF) reports that idiopathic epilepsy may be the most common form of epilepsy and occurs in up to 75% of epileptic dogs . Temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) was defined in 1989 by the International League Against Epilepsy as a condition distinguished by recurrent, unprovoked seizures originating from the mesial or lateral temporal lobe .…”

Dietary intervention for canine epilepsy: Two case reports

“…11 Like in humans, canine epilepsy has been increasing in incidence. 20 Although the increase could be due partially to genetic predisposition and selective breeding-for example, shepherds, retrievers, and terriers have high rates of epilepsy [21][22][23] -epilepsy in dogs is often idiopathic and is not a condition limited to purebred dogs. Lifestyle factors that influence seizures in dogs are similar to those that influence human epilepsy-diet, sleep, exercise, environmental toxins, and in utero environment, among others, 20,23 -and therefore it is important to consider modifiable environmental factors in dogs.…”