Prone to Epilespy

4551 Views 1 Reply 2 Participants Last post by Mikey T, Jan 5, 2005

Milly and Lily

Discussion Starter · Jan 5, 2005

I wanted to ask, and there may be no answer, but how often are Bassets diagnosed with epilepsy? Is it a common ailment suffered by say 1 in 4 or it is it something that they can suffer from but it is not heard of with any regularity?

My reasons for asking, is that our last dog (a german shepherd) suffered for 8 years with the disease. It was a heart breaking experience for my family every time she had a seizure. she had one about every six months, it was controlled with phenobarbital. But in the end she had a grand mal and slipped into a coma in the car on the way to the emergency vet, where we had to put her to sleep. I'm not sure we could go through that again just now. This was particularly hard on my husband, as this was his girl and his first pet ever.

And this could be a serious consideration for us bringing a basset home.

Thanks.

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Mikey T

· #2 · Jan 5, 2005

While epilepsy certainly occurs in the breed it is not on the order of 1-4 it is in fact not common. Bassets are not listed on the breeds genetically predisposed to it. FWIW German shepards are on that list so theoretical are more prone. Bassets are prone to Hypothyroidism which can cause seizures which can be mistaken for epilepsy. In most cases treating the thyroid condition will end the siezures with no need for anti- siezure meds.

from Epilepsy By Alicia Aylward Marcinczyk

Epilepsy is found in all breeds and mixed breeds of dogs. Belgian Tervueren are listed among the breeds for which a genetic factor is either proved or highly suspected. Other breeds so listed include the Beagle, Dachshund, German Shepherd Dog (Alsatian), and Keeshond. A high incidence of seizure disorders is also found in Boxers, Cocker Spaniels, Collies, Golden Retrievers, Irish Setters, Labrador Retrievers, Miniature Schnauzers, Poodles, Saint Bernards, Siberian Huskies, and Wire-Haired Terriers. (Oliver, Seizures). The prevalence of epilepsy in the general dog population has been estimated at .5 to 5.7%. (Koestner, Cunningham).

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