DogMatchUp
Health Condition

Idiopathic Epilepsy

A neurological disorder characterized by recurrent, unprovoked seizures, with a suspected hereditary basis in many breeds.

Detailed Description

Idiopathic epilepsy is diagnosed when no underlying cause for seizures is found. Seizures can range from mild (focal) to severe (generalized tonic-clonic). The condition is managed with anticonvulsant medications, and most affected dogs can live normal lives.

Common Symptoms

  • Recurrent seizures (generalized or focal)
  • Post-ictal confusion

Management Options

  • Anticonvulsant medications
  • Regular monitoring and dose adjustments

Frequently Asked Questions

Is epilepsy inherited in dogs?

There is evidence of a hereditary component in many breeds, but the exact pattern is often unclear.

Can epilepsy be cured?

No, but it can often be managed with medication.

Condition Details

📅

Typical Age of Onset

1 to 5 years

📋

Testing Available

No

🔍

Diagnosing Methods

Clinical history and neurological examination; Rule out metabolic and structural causes (bloodwork, MRI)

🛡️

Preventative Measures

Avoid breeding affected dogs

🔗

Related Conditions

Reactive seizures, Structural brain disease

Affected Breeds

American Water Spaniel

Prevalence: 3% Severity: 3/5

Epilepsy is documented in AWS with a prevalence similar to the general canine population. Most cases are manageable with medication.

Australian Shepherd

Prevalence: 7.5% Severity: 4/5

Australian Shepherds have a higher than average risk for idiopathic epilepsy compared to most breeds.

Azawakh

Severity: 3/5

Idiopathic epilepsy is a recognized concern in Azawakhs, with familial cases reported; symptoms may be subtle prior to first seizure.

Basset Fauve de Bretagne

Prevalence: 4% Severity: 3/5

Epilepsy is reported at higher-than-average rates in this breed, with familial clustering suggesting a hereditary component.

Border Collie

Prevalence: 4% Severity: 3/5

Border Collies have a higher prevalence of idiopathic epilepsy compared to many other breeds, with a suspected genetic basis.

Bracco Italiano

Severity: 3/5

Idiopathic epilepsy is described as occasional in Bracco Italiano, with first seizure episodes typically occurring in young adulthood.

Brittany

Prevalence: 3.5% Severity: 3/5

Brittanys have a higher than average risk for idiopathic epilepsy, with an estimated prevalence of 2–5%.

Cane Corso

Prevalence: 3.5% Severity: 3/5

Cane Corsos have a higher than average prevalence of idiopathic epilepsy compared to all breeds.

Chinook

Severity: 4/5

Idiopathic epilepsy is a recognized concern in Chinooks, with a suspected genetic basis and higher than average prevalence.

Croatian Sheepdog

Severity: 3/5

Rare but possible; breeders are advised to monitor for seizures in breeding lines.

Curly-Coated Retriever

Severity: 3/5

Curly-Coated Retrievers are recognized as at risk for idiopathic epilepsy, with similar risk to other retrievers. Most dogs respond well to medication.

Finnish Spitz

Prevalence: 3% Severity: 3/5

Finnish Spitz have a higher than average risk for idiopathic epilepsy. Seizures typically begin between 1 and 5 years of age in otherwise healthy dogs.

German Spitz

Prevalence: 3% Severity: 3/5

Idiopathic epilepsy is slightly more prevalent in German Spitz than in the general canine population. Subtle focal seizures may precede generalized seizures in this breed.

Greater Swiss Mountain Dog

Prevalence: 3% Severity: 3/5

Idiopathic epilepsy is more common in GSMDs than in many breeds, with a suspected genetic basis.

Ibizan Hound

Prevalence: 2.5% Severity: 3/5

Ibizan Hounds have a slightly higher prevalence of idiopathic epilepsy compared to the general canine population.

Irish Water Spaniel

Severity: 3/5

Irish Water Spaniels are at increased risk for idiopathic epilepsy, with first seizures often occurring in young adults with no other health issues.

Italian Greyhound

Prevalence: 1.5% Severity: 3/5

Italian Greyhounds are at increased risk for idiopathic epilepsy compared to the general canine population.

Norwegian Buhund

Prevalence: 3.5% Severity: 3/5

Norwegian Buhunds have a recognized breed predisposition to idiopathic epilepsy, with onset typically between 1 and 5 years.

Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen

Prevalence: 3% Severity: 3/5

PBGVs have a recognized breed predisposition to idiopathic epilepsy, with a higher risk than average.

Poodle (Miniature)

Prevalence: 3.5% Severity: 3/5

Miniature Poodles have a higher than average risk for idiopathic epilepsy, with onset typically between 1 and 5 years of age.

Poodle (Toy)

Prevalence: 3% Severity: 3/5

Toy Poodles have a higher than average risk for idiopathic epilepsy.

Portuguese Pointer

Severity: 3/5

Epilepsy is rare but present in the breed, with seizures typically beginning in young adulthood. Sudden onset of seizures in otherwise healthy young adults is a key warning sign.

Pyrenean Shepherd

Severity: 3/5

Documented in the breed; described as 'occasional' in breed health surveys. Slightly higher than average risk. First seizure often occurs in young adulthood with no prior illness.

Small Munsterlander Pointer

Prevalence: 2% Severity: 3/5

Familial cases have been reported. First seizure in a young adult, otherwise healthy dog is a typical presentation.

Spinone Italiano

Prevalence: 3% Severity: 3/5

Spinone Italiano has a higher than average incidence of idiopathic epilepsy compared to other breeds.

Stabyhoun

Prevalence: 3% Severity: 3/5

Stabyhouns have a higher than average risk for idiopathic epilepsy, with first seizures typically occurring between 2–3 years of age.

Vizsla

Prevalence: 3% Severity: 3/5

Vizslas have a higher prevalence of idiopathic epilepsy compared to the general canine population.

Wire Fox Terrier

Prevalence: 2% Severity: 3/5

Wire Fox Terriers are predisposed to idiopathic epilepsy, with onset typically in young adulthood. First seizure in a young adult, otherwise healthy dog is a key sign.
Back to All Health Conditions