Epilepsy

Body function:

Muscle & Neurological

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Epilepsy is a genetic condition in Schipperke, Beagle, and Finnish Spitz dogs due to a mutation in the CFA37 gene. Dogs with the condition experience random, recurring seizures. Epilepsy can be 5 to 10 times more common in some dog breeds than it is in humans.

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List of affected breeds:

Genetic research has linked this gene and condition in the following breeds:

Schipperke, Beagle, Finnish Spitz

A black and white dog with a happy expression is looking up at the camera with its mouth open. The dog's ears are perked up, and it appears to be excited.

What does this mean for a dog with this trait?

There is no known cure for epilepsy. Anti-epileptic medications can help control both the frequency and severity of seizures.

Symptoms

Symptoms of epilepsy may appear at any time. Depending on the type of seizure, they may include sudden stiffening of the limbs and collapse, repetitive “paddling” movements, uncontrollable chewing or drooling, shaking, and more. Seizures can last anywhere from a few seconds to a few minutes. Dogs return to normal brain activity within a few minutes.

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