Epilepsy Breeding Guidelines

Posted 8 years ago by Linda Mayne

Last Updated on November 17, 2016 : :

Consideration needs to be given at all times to the fact that we do not know how this condition is inherited. Our gene pool is very small and we should not be excluding dogs or lines from being bred without good reason.

If a dog or bitch has produced a single confirmed epileptic , then the dog/bitch’s reproductive life doesn’t necessarily have to be terminated.  But it is prudent 
 
i) not to repeat the same mating that has produced an epileptic,
 
ii)  not to breed the dog/bitch with a mate that has any common ancestors within at least 3 generations and
 
iii)  if he/she produces an epileptic in a 2nd litter not to breed from him/her again.
 
For dogs/bitches that have not produced a confirmed epileptic themselves but are related to an epileptic within one or two generations then the same advice applies:
 
i) do not breed the dog/bitch with a mate that has any common ancestors within at least 3 generations and
 
ii)  if he/she produces an epileptic in a 2nd litter not to breed from him/her again.
 
A dog or bitch that has suffered from seizures should not be used for breeding.
 
Please do not ask the AHT for breeding advice, for reasons of confidentiality they cannot give out this sort of advice.
 
When studying pedigrees,  please look at affected and unaffected pedigrees.  Don’t just focus on affected pedigrees.
 
The more we can share information openly, the better.  Please complete a consent form and we can add your dog’s details to our health database. You can download one either in PDF or WORD formats, and email the Health Co-ordinator at health@italianspinone.co.uk, or post to to Elaine Kirkham, 217 May Lane, Kings Heath, Birmingham, B14 4AW
 
It is also recommended that dogs who suffer from seizures FOR WHATEVER REASON are not bred.

Please remember that no one bloodline should be condemned wholesale and discarded from breeding.  Our gene pool is already very small.

If your dog has more than one episode of seizures, PLEASE:

Have a full neurological work up by a Recognised Specialist in Veterinary Neurology, or at least as full a work up as you can afford.  The following are recommended: Full haematology and  comprehensive biochemistry profiles, bile acids stimulation tests, thyroid panel, CSF tap, including PCR for infections diseases and MRI scan.

Take a DNA swab of your dog for the DNA Research Data Bank at the Animal Health Trust (AHT).  Kits may be obtained from Dr C Mellersh, Animal Health Trust, Lanwades Park, Kentford, Newmarket, Suffolk CB8 7UU or health@italianspinone.co.uk

Contact the Club via Elaine Kirkham, Heath Sub-committee coordinator at health@italianspinone.co.uk and authorise your Veterinary Surgeon to provide the Club with all relevant clinical information.

Inform your breeder.  If you have lost contact with your breeder please contact Linda Mayne, Honorary Secretary for help.  When the Club receives a health report we will endeavour to inform both the breeder and stud dog owner (subject to the owner’s consent) so requests for information on potential matings should go to them in the first instance.

Acknowledgments:

The Club would like to thank all the owners, breeders and veterinary surgeons who have co-operated with us in the UK and abroad.