CANINE EPILEPSY & THE KENNEL CLUB

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by Videx on 12 March 2009 - 16:03

Seizures are the result of muscle responses to an abnormal nerve-signal burst from the brain. They are a symptom of an underlying neurological dysfunction. Toxic substances, metabolic or electrolyte abnormalities and/or imbalances cause an uncoordinated firing of neurons in the cerebrum of the brain, creating seizures from mild "petit mal " to severe "grand mal". There are four basic stages to a seizure: The Prodome: may precede the seizure by hours or days. It is characterized by changes in mood or behaviour. The Aura: signals the start of a seizure. Nervousness, whining, trembling, salivation, affection, wandering, restlessness, hiding and apprehension are all signals. The Ictus, the actual seizure:. A period of intense physical activity usually lasting 45 seconds to 3 minutes. The dog may lose consciousness and fall to the ground. There may be teeth gnashing, frantic thrashing of limbs, excessive drooling, vocalizing, paddling of feet, uncontrollable urination and defecation. The Post Ictus/Ictal: after the seizure, the dog may pace endlessly, appear blind and deaf and eat or drink excessively. The Cause: anything that disrupts normal brain circuitry: Idiopathic Epilepsy: meaning no known cause and possibly inherited. This is also referred to as Primary Epilepsy. Check history of pedigree and make sure your veterinarian has looked for possible underlying factors. Seizures caused by underlying factors are referred to as Secondary Epilepsy. The following tests are advised before a diagnosis of idiopathic/inherited epilepsy is made. continued at: http://www.canine-epilepsy.com/overview.html

also read these documents:

http://www.canine-epilepsy.com/Resources.html

http://www.canine-epilepsy.net/basics/basics_index.html

http://www.k9web.com/dog-faqs/medical/epilepsy.html

by Videx on 12 March 2009 - 16:03

PART TWO
http://www.nichols-online.co.uk/html/canine_epilepsy.html
http://www.canine-epilepsy-guardian-angels.com/site_map.htm

Here in the UK the Kennel Club could and should become much more proactive in attempting to eradicate this disease from Pedigree Dogs. The Kennel Club could and should establish through discussion and agreement with the British Veterinary Association (BVA) a procedure which is very simple and would be very effective. The procedure is: Every Pedigree Dog that is diagnosed with Canine Epilepsy by a Veterinary and prescribed treatment for Canine Epilepsy, within the United Kingdom, will result in the details of the Pedigree Dog, being reported to the BVA, who will ensure the information is sent to the Kennel Club. The Kennel Club would then take appropriate action in respect of any Pedigree Dog that has been Veterinary diagnosed with Canine Epilepsy.

by Videx on 12 March 2009 - 20:03

This is a very realistic and meaningful proposal to seriously tackle Canine Epilepsy through the Kennel Club here in he United Kingdom.

I genuinely fear that breeders here in the UK may be inclined to "turn their thoughts and minds away" or "worry more about the risk of Canine Epilepsy being identified in their Lines, than eradicating this appalling disease"

by Videx on 13 March 2009 - 21:03

bump

by funky munky on 14 March 2009 - 08:03

bump

by Gustav on 14 March 2009 - 12:03

Why is there such a high rate of epilepsy in the breed in UK. In over 35 years I have never had a dog with epilepsy....more importantly is the fact that in the many venues I have participated in I don't ever hear of epilepsy discussed as a concern for breeding or even an occurrence that happens enough to target. (Like blue shepherds occurs but it is so infrequent that nobody I deal with is concerned about it popping up, as opposed to say a missing testicle or degrees of HD is something that occurs with frequent occaision in all lines). Now there are health issues that will occur more frequently if you continue to narrow the genepool, but being as I am not in the show world(American, used to be thirty five years ago, or German, got away from that with Canto/Quanto overusage), I can honestly say the many many people I am dealing with aren't having problems with epilepsy. PLEASE, not saying that epilepsy can't show up in any line, but that it is so infrequent in the circles I have been, that I am curious as to why and how is it so prevalent in UK. I am not trying to instigate something negative, I am just curious as to why this ailment is receiving such attention unless its because of it frequency ,and if this is the case why isn't it something that is occurring with frequency in the German Shepherd circles I travel???

by Videx on 14 March 2009 - 13:03

Epilepsy is a disease that is kept "below the radar" very successfully. The proposal above will, when, not if, it is implemented, expose the prevalence of the disease. This simple, and what would be a very effective proposal, could and should be included in the Kennel Cubs compulsory "code of ethics".

Whatever the genuine incidence of this disease, it needs to be vigorously tackled in the most fair and direct manner. What can be fairer and more direct than a reporting system of those dogs diagnosed with epilepsy and treated for it, by a Veterinary? This immediately eliminates those dogs that have fits for any other reason. Far too many epileptic dogs are 'hidden' under the number of dogs that have fits for some other reason. The proposal in the first posting above will remove this 'hiding place'.

I am becoming very concerned that more and more references are being made to "maintaining genetic diversity" of "reducing genetic diversity" or "risking genetic diversity" when suggestions are made regarding the serious tackling of canine diseases. These comments appear to advocate a policy of "doing nothing on canine health matters will strengthen canine genetic diversity". I am sure that subconsciously there are canine breeders who wish breeding would be so simple, and so irresponsible.

by Sunsilver on 14 March 2009 - 19:03

When I worked for a veterinarian, I got the job of counting out pills for repeat prescriptions. The most common drug I dispensed was an epilepsy drug (mysoline).

ITA, more needs to be done to tackle this disease!

by Videx on 15 March 2009 - 01:03

Sunsilver: I have heard that comment from others who work in Veterinary Surgeries. The Kennel Club have recently sent ALL Kennel Club Licensed Pedigree Dog Clubs a Compulsory Code of Ethics, which they have to adopt and accept for all of their members. This EPILEPSY REPORTING PROCEDURE should be included in that "Kennel Club Code of Ethics". There is NO reason for it not to be.

by Gustav on 15 March 2009 - 02:03

Maintaining genetic diversity is a natural way of keeping vigor and strong health in a species. Decreasing genetic diversity (inbreeding or excessive linebreeding) is factually known to lead to weaknesses in mental health and physical defects and illnesses. This is not conjecture but has been proven time and time again. I am not disputing the validity of epilepsy, I am just inquiring as to what commonality is prevalent in incidences to give an idea as to causation so prevention can be utilized as well as testing. That's all!

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