Species: Dog
Condition: Idiopathic Epilepsy
Organ System: Nervous/sensory
Epilepsy is seizures caused by abnormal electrical activity in the brain. Idiopathic epilepsy is a specific form of epilepsy where no underlying disorder can be identified as the cause of the seizures. The severity of the seizures can vary from mild tremors to extreme spasms and jerking. Mild seizures are unlikely to be dangerous however extended or repeated seizures can cause brain damage so if in doubt, call your vet immediately. Once idiopathic epilepsy has been confirmed, your vet will decide if medication is required. If your dog only has occasional, mild, seizures, your vet may simply give advice on managing the situation.
Breeds exposed to Idiopathic Epilepsy – Research Reference
Australian Silky Terrier Cross – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)
Cairn Terrier Cross – Canine Inherited Disorders Database (CIDD)
“Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Cross – (Rudmann et al. 1992
Manchester Terrier Cross – Canine Inherited Disorders Database (CIDD)
Chow Chow Cross – (Indrebo et al. 2008)
Lhasa Apso Cross – Canine Inherited Disorders Database (CIDD)
Maltese Cross – Canine Inherited Disorders Database (CIDD)
Boston Terrier Cross – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)
Chihuahua Cross – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)
British Bulldog Cross – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)
Poodle – Toy Cross – Canine Inherited Disorders Database (CIDD)
Shih Tzu Cross – Canine Inherited Disorders Database (CIDD)
Pekingese Cross – Canine Inherited Disorders Database (CIDD)
Pomeranian Cross – Canine Inherited Disorders Database (CIDD)
Yorkshire Terrier Cross – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)
Cairn Terrier – Canine Inherited Disorders Database (CIDD)
Lhasa Apso – Canine Inherited Disorders Database (CIDD)
Maltese – Canine Inherited Disorders Database (CIDD)
Manchester Terrier – Canine Inherited Disorders Database (CIDD)
Pekingese – Canine Inherited Disorders Database (CIDD)
Pomeranian – Canine Inherited Disorders Database (CIDD)
Poodle – Toy – Canine Inherited Disorders Database (CIDD)
Shih Tzu – Canine Inherited Disorders Database (CIDD)
American Cocker Spaniel – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)
Australian Silky Terrier – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)
Boston Terrier – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)
British Bulldog – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)
Chihuahua – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)
English Springer Spaniel – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)
Yorkshire Terrier – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)
Springer Spaniel – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)
English Springer Spaniel Cross – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)
American Cocker Spaniel Cross – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)
Springer Spaniel Cross – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)
Chow Chow – (Indrebo et al. 2008)
“Cavalier King Charles Spaniel – (Rudmann et al. 1992
“Cavoodle – (Rudmann et al. 1992
Disease Author
Dr Merliza Cabriles, Professor of Veterinary Medicine
To learn more about Idiopathic Epilepsy or any other condition we invite you to search this website. Even better, pick up the phone and call your vet. Your vet knows your pet better than anyone else and is a fountain of information.
This information is accurate as at May 2014 and is subject to change without notice.
For Petmed Pet Health Insurance – pre-existing condition exclusion applies. Annual Benefit Limits and excess amounts vary based on pet health insurance plans.
