Epilepsy - Questions - Page 1

Epilepsy is a complex disease with more than one possible factor that can trigger a seizure. Therefore is it such a hopeless morass of problems that we, as breeders, should step back from and leave to future generations of breeders to deal with? Should today’s breeders be left to their own random fate as to whether some of the animals they produce suffer from epilepsy? Should breeders allow pet owners to live in fear of the next seizure in their much loved pet?

If, for example, we look at the number of registrations with the KC, which I think is say 12,000 and, the incidence of epilepsy in those animals was 0.5% which equals 60, would this figure be of such insignificance that we need not be concerned?

Mackenzie

I wouldn't think 0.5% was insignificant if my dog was one of the 60! 

Margaret N-J

I have to agree with Margaret,

Breeders also keep their own stock so they would be at as much risk as one of the pet owners.

It would be great if some progress is made towards a test, but this does sound along way off.

Doug

It comes as no surprise to me that, although there has been a reasonable number of viewings to this post, the response has been almost non existent.

The questions that I posed were originally made by a qualified person who at the time was researching epilepsy. He put the questions to a symposium of like minded people.  He answered the questions with a resounding NO to each of them and I agree wholeheartedly with him.

The problem with the questions as I see it is that each calls in question the honesty, integrity and lack of willingness to share information and partake in useful study into canine disease problems by breeders. Much of the problem is the secrecy related to the show world of dogs where success in the show ring means more than the health of the animals. Add to this the number of false pedigree’s that have surfaced over the years which is in no way beneficial to the breed or the researchers. All that is required from participants is that they have acted in utmost good faith. Sadly, as we know, this could not be further from the truth in so many cases.

So, in the face of hostility, apathy, lack of knowledge and downright dishonesty how can our breed deal with the problems for the betterment of the breed? It cost nothing to be honest. Apathy may be difficult to get rid of because there will setbacks along the road. Lack of knowledge can be aided by either, The Breed Council, The League and even BAGSD’s producing well written papers on topics like genetics for the laymen, problems in all the diseases that we are trying to deal with. Much of the scientific material will have to be written by professionals in their field. Symposiums would be a good way forward and, once again, given by professionals in their field. Until the time comes when, as breeders, our knowledge is raised to a much higher level we can expect not much more than we have now. Dishonesty would be almost wiped out if all dogs for breeding (males and females) were DNA tested before their first mating.

This will cost money but if everyone would donate the price of one puppy following the sale of a litter it would provide a substantial fund to begin with. Is that too much to ask?
I think not especially when you think of the rewards it can bring.

Mackenzie

Mackenzie why have you started another thread relating to the same subject, its not surprising members get confused. Please revert back to the original epilepsy thread, you might get more response.   Simon.

Petowner

The other thread is too specific and I hoped that this would broaden the whole issue without getting too personal.  The other thread is still valid and worth following.

Mackenzie

Mackenzie,
I am not so sure that many breeders have experienced first hand this issue. I myself in 20 years of my life have never seen a GSD with this issues , however I have spoken to maybe one person that mentioned in the past they had a dog with it.

Knock on wood, I have to bring in new bloodlines every generation - for our own view of our program- so it could still happen. There are other studies I am more interested in like ME , because it has affected us after I bought 2 of our last males.
AKC is doing all sorts of disease research , you can always make it an suggestion, if you ever listen to there Pod casts they will update you with some of there findings on which breeds are more predisposed and how to look out for it in your lines and about them finding it in the genes etc.

Whisper

PS I am doing my best to educate myself on all the possibilities, and I agree with you its best to do testing and rule things out in your lines, and try to better the breed.