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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."

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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
RCVS pays tribute to well-loved equine vet

The RCVS and the Riding Establishments Subcommittee has paid tribute to well-loved veterinary surgeon and riding establishment inspector, Rebecca Hamilton-Fletcher MRCVS.

Linda Belton MRCVS, RCVS President, said: "I, along with my colleagues on the RESC, RCVS Council, RCVS Standards Committee, as well as RCVS staff, was very saddened to hear of the sudden death of Rebecca, or Becca as we knew her, last week.

"She was a true advocate for equine welfare and in her many years on the RESC worked to continually improve the quality and consistency of riding establishment inspections, all in the interests of enhanced horse welfare and rider safety."