Epilepsy in the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen: Prevalence, Semiology, and Clinical Phenotype

Background Epilepsy with a genetic background is increasingly being identified. In certain dog breeds, epilepsy occurs with a higher prevalence than the estimate of 1–2% reported in the general dog population. Hypothesis The P etit B asset G riffon V endeen ( PBGV ) experiences an increased occurrence of epilepsy compared to the general dog population. Animals The target population consisted of all 876 PBGV dogs registered in the D anish K ennel C lub from January 1, 1999 to December 31, 2008. The study population included 820 dogs that met the inclusion criteria. Methods A population study was conducted to estimate the prevalence of epilepsy in the D anish PBGV population. A mailed questionnaire was used to detect possible signs of epilepsy. The information was subsequently validated by telephone interviews of positive and possible positive responders and a negative responder control group, using an extensive questionnaire developed to detect epilepsy. Dogs evaluated as epilepsy positive after the telephone interview were offered a clinical investigation. Results The prevalence of epilepsy was estimated to be 8.9% (42/471) in the PBGV population. Average age of onset was 26.3 months. Sex and mode of response did not affect the prevalence, but a strong litter effect was seen. Among euthanized dogs, epilepsy was the predominant cause (6/45 = 13.3%). Conclusion and Clinical Importance Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen dogs experience an increased risk of epilepsy characterized by a relatively early onset and dominated by focal seizures with and without secondary generalization. With an estimated prevalence of 8.9% and substantial clustering within litters, a genetic factor associated with epilepsy is suspected.