Labrador retrievers are among the dog breeds known to develop epilepsy, a neurological disorder that leads to seizures. While no cure or screening tests exist, canine epilepsy can be treated and the seizures controlled through medication.
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Fundamentals
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Epilepsy is believed to be hereditary in some dog breeds, including Labrador retrievers. Epilepsy, a brain disorder, causes convulsions or seizures that range from light tremors to severe thrashing. While it can result secondarily from diseases such as distemper, diabetes or brain tumors, primary epilepsy is believed to be hereditary in some dog breeds, including Labrador retrievers, according to the article "Health Concerns of the Labrador Retriever" on the website "Canada's Guide to Dogs." Epilepsy's causes remain unknown so the treatment addresses the symptoms---the seizures---rather than the disease.
Significance
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Poor breeding practices worsen genetic diseases, including epilepsy, in Labrador retrievers. While Labrador retrievers are not among the dog types most at risk for epilepsy, the disease does occur often within the breed. Dogs with a high incidence of epilepsy include the German shepherd, keeshonds, beagles, Irish setters, Saint Bernards, poodles and cocker spaniels, according to the website PetPlace.com.
Poor breeding has exacerbated several hereditary diseases among Labrador retrievers, according to the website Bark Bytes. The popularity of the friendly, sturdy Labrador retriever has led to a proliferation of puppy mills producing animals that may have many genetic problems, including epilepsy. While no test exists for determining the possibility of a dog developing epilepsy, getting an animal from a reputable breeder can reduce the risk.
Components
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The three parts of an epileptic seizure include the "aura," which indicates a pending attack through a dog's whining, nervousness, shaking, salivating or hiding, according to the website PetPlace. The indicators may be too subtle for an owner to recognize. Once an episode starts, the seizure cannot be stopped.
The second stage, the "ictus," includes the seizure. A dog may fall on its side, kick involuntarily, salivate excessively, shake uncontrollably and lose bladder or bowel control. Seizures can last a few seconds or several minutes and range from mild shaking, known as a petite mal, to the more severe grande mal.
The "postictal phase" immediately after the seizure may leave the dog confused, disoriented, pacing or wandering, according to the website PetPlace. This stage can last from a few minutes to a few days.
Development
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Most dogs with epilepsy suffer their first seizure before 5 years of age. Seizures can occur in dogs of any age, but primary epilepsy can first appear around 2 years of age.
Most dogs with primary epilepsy suffer their first seizure before they are 5 years old, according to the website Canada's Guide to Dogs.
Treatment
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Some dogs' seizures may be mild, short or infrequent enough to not need medication, but recurring and severe episodes require treatment with anticonvulsant drugs. Some common medications include Dilantin, phenobarbital, primidone and Valium.
Any dog experiencing a seizure should immediately be seen by a veterinarian who will first try to rule out underlying causes such as diabetes, thyroid disease, infections, brain tumors or a reaction to vaccinations, according to the website Canada's Guide to Dogs. If no other cause exists, treatment will begin to control the seizures.
Considerations
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Some veterinarians believe stress and excitability can affect canine epileptic seizures. Owners of dogs being treated for epilepsy should minimize known stress factors. They can range from riding in a vehicle to being in a show ring.
Females that have had epileptic seizures should not be used for breeding as the disease may be hereditary and the hormonal changes accompanying pregnancy can trigger seizures.
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