Study reveals higher prevalence of idiopathic epilepsy in Greater Swiss Mountain dogs

Not much is known about idiopathic epilepsy in Greater Swiss Mountain and currently, this breed has not been listed as a predisposed one for idiopathic epilepsy. 

A study was conducted in Switzerland to estimate the prevalence of idiopathic epilepsy in Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs and describe the clinical characteristics of epilepsy and how they respond to treatment. The records of the Swiss Kennel Club that reported cases of epileptic seizures in Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs from 1999 to 2019. The signalment of all the reported cases was studied, and all owners of Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs from the breeding club filled out an online questionnaire. Only 128 out of 400 owners completed the questionnaire. The results revealed that 20 of the 128 dogs had idiopathic epilepsy. The prevalence of idiopathic epilepsy was 15.8% 

The affected dogs were divided based on the type of seizures, cluster seizures in 41.6%, and status epilepticus in 50% of the dogs. But, all dogs were suffering from generalized tonic-cluster seizures. However, only 10% of the dogs suffering long-term seizures responded to treatment, and 5% showed clinical remission. Unfortunately, 25 % of affected dogs were euthanized or died due to being poorly controlled.

This study confirmed that the prevalence of idiopathic epilepsy was higher in Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs in Switzerland than in the normal dog population. But, seizure control appears to be challenging in this breed than in other dog breeds.

To read more click on the link below:

[Clinical characteristics of Idiopathic Epilepsy in Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs in Switzerland]