Survival and lifespan in Belgian Shepherds with genetic epilepsy

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Belgian Shepherds have focal genetic epilepsy. The prevalence of epilepsy has been estimated as 9.5% in the breed and as 33% in the family investigated. Dogs with epilepsy might have an increased risk of premature death. OBJECTIVE/HYPOTHESIS: To investigate survival and selected risk factors for premature death in a Belgian Shepherd family with genetic epilepsy. ANIMALS: One hundred ninety-nine related Belgian Shepherds. METHODS: Longitudinal observational study, 2009-2011. Follow-up telephone interviews were all conducted using a structured questionnaire addressing epilepsy, including seizure history and phenomenology, possible remission, possible death, and cause of death. RESULTS: The life span of epileptic dogs was not significantly shortened by the presence of epilepsy (P = .87). Epilepsy was the predominant cause of death in the population (19/75 = 25%) and epilepsy-related deaths accounted for 70% (19/27) of all deaths in the group of dogs with epilepsy. Two probable sudden unexpected deaths related to epilepsy occurred in dogs with generalized seizures. Cluster seizures occurred in 33% (17/51) but did not significantly influence the life span of epileptic dogs. Dogs with epilepsy had an epilepsy remission proportion of 13.7%. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: The Belgian Shepherds investigated in the present study display a focal genetic epilepsy with an overall benign course. The life span was not significantly affected by the presence of epilepsy.