Shelties are generally healthy dogs, however, there are some factors to consider if you are thinking about getting a sheltie. Epilepsy is one of the conditions that can be seen in the sheltie breed, and most cases are controlled with medication.
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Identification
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Epilepsy is described as recurrent seizures. There are two types of epilepsy. Primary epilepsy is also called idiopathic epilepsy, meaning there is no known cause. Secondary epilepsy describes seizures that occur due to a known cause such as a brain tumor or injury.
Types
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Sheltie breeders usually test for canine hip dysplasia, eye defects, leg-calve-perthes and hypothyroidism. Epilepsy is a condition associated with shelties that breeders may or may not routinely perform screenings for.
History
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To make a diagnosis of epilepsy, complete breeding studies must be performed. A history of seizures in the dog's family may indicate a genetic link. Other factors may include the age and the health background of the dog. The sheltie breed may be particularly sensitive to the active ingredient (Ivermectin) in heartworm medications. This ingredient has been thought to cause seizures in some shelties.
Diagnostic Testing
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A complete neurological and physical examination is done for epilepsy diagnosis. Blood tests and parasite screening may also be performed to rule out an underlying medical condition.
Treatment
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If your sheltie is found to have epilepsy, medication may help control seizures. Medication is recommended for dogs that have one or more seizures every month. The most common medications prescribed are phenobarbital, primidone, valium and bromide.
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