What are the signs & symptoms that develop in affected dogs?

Affected dogs can begin experiencing seizures of varying frequency, duration, and severity, ranging from simple focal seizures where the dog is tremoring but still able to walk, eat, and respond to stimulus to complete immobilization and loss of consciousness. Puppies appear normal between episodes, though those with severe seizures can display an abnormal, uncoordinated gait after an episode.

How do vets diagnose this condition?

Unless a genetic basis is suspected due to the age, breed, or history of the dog, diagnostics must be performed to rule out infectious, inflammatory, or neoplastic causes.

How is this condition treated?

Treatment for BFJE is usually supportive; dogs typically grow out of the disease and suffer no ill effects later in life.

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Juvenile Epilepsy

Brain and Spinal Cord

This is a spontaneous form of epilepsy (a seizure disorder) that occurs in young dogs and resolves on its own.

Signs and symptoms

Affected dogs can begin experiencing seizures of varying frequency, duration, and severity, ranging from simple focal seizures where the dog is tremoring but still able to walk, eat, and respond to stimulus to complete immobilization and loss of consciousness. Puppies appear normal between episodes, though those with severe seizures can display an abnormal, uncoordinated gait after an episode.

Signs develop in puppies.

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Diagnosis

Unless a genetic basis is suspected due to the age, breed, or history of the dog, diagnostics must be performed to rule out infectious, inflammatory, or neoplastic causes.
Treatment

Treatment for BFJE is usually supportive; dogs typically grow out of the disease and suffer no ill effects later in life.
What to do if your dog is at risk

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- Genetic testing can save your puppy from undergoing many tests to determine the cause of the seizures.
Genetic Information

This mutation was first described in the Lagotto Romagnolo.

This disease is inherited in an autosomal recessive manner, meaning that affected dogs must have two copies of the mutation to show clinical signs.

Gene names:

LGI2 (Exon 8) ‐ chr

Inheritance type:

recessive

Citations:

Seppala et al 2011 , Jokinen et al 2007 , Jokinen et al 2015
Breeds affected
This health condition affects the following breeds
- Lagotto Romagnolo

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