Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
EmailIphone Application    Posted: 22nd May 2015
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.
Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

Epilepsy study sheds light on survival chances
Italian spinone
Researchers found affected dogs with no cluster seizures lived significantly longer.
Research uncovers prevalence of IE in Italian Spinoni

Idiopathic epilepsy is more prevalent in Italian Spinoni that the general canine population, according to research by the Animal Health Trust (AHT). Their study, believed to be the first of its kind, may help to improve survival in these dogs.

Over 5 per cent of the Italian Spinoni involved in the research were found to have the condition. In the UK's general canine population, prevalence is estimated to be just 0.6 per cent, though it can be as high as 18.3 per cent, depending on country and breed.

In the AHT's survey of 1,192 Spinone owners, 63 dogs had idiopathic epilepsy (IE). The owners of these dogs were then invited to complete a further questionnaire and make available their dog's medical records.

Looking at the survival times of the affected dogs, researchers found those with no cluster seizures lived significantly longer. Survival was also substantially longer in Italian Spinoni whose treatment with anti-epileptic medication had started after the second seizure, rather than after the third.

Lead author Luisa De Risio explained: "From this sample we were able to conclude that idiopathic epilepsy in this breed often has a severe presentation but starting treatment with antiepileptic medication after the second seizure, and aggressive treatment of cluster seizures, may improve the survival of these dogs."

IE is the most common, chronic neurological disorder seen in dogs, but appears more commonly in some breeds than others, including Irish wolfhounds, border collies and of course, Italian Spinoni. It is a very complex and difficult disease to treat in dogs, just as it is in humans.

Work is also underway at AHT to identify the genetic mutations responsible for the disease so a genetic test could be developed. Due to the complexity of the genetics, however, such a test is most likely "many years away", Dr De Risio says.

In the meantime, she adds: "We hope these findings will help to increase veterinary knowledge and understanding of this horrible disease and give Italian Spinoni, and other affected breeds, the best chance of fighting IE."

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.