Phenotypic Characterization of Idiopathic Epilepsy and Epilepsy of Unknown Cause in Labradoodles

Abstract

Canine epilepsy is a common neurological disorder that has a major impact on the quality of life of both dog and owner. In the last decades several studies have described the breed specific characteristics of a large number of breeds. Despite the current worldwide popularity of designer breeds like the Labradoodle and other doodles, not much is known about the epilepsy that is seen in these dogs. The aim of this study was to describe the phenotypic characterization of idiopathic epilepsy and epilepsy of unknown cause in doodles with the focus on Labradoodles. Next to this the aim was to assess correlations between phenotypic variables and owner-provided quality of life scores. An online questionnaire was made available for owners who's Labradoodle suffers from epilepsy. Thirty-eight doodles, mostly Dutch Labradoodles, with IE of EUC were included. The mean age of seizure onset was 33 months. Most dogs experienced generalized tonic-clonic seizures with a small number exhibiting focal seizures. The number of seizures in the last year was 9±12 seizures (mean ± SD). Cluster seizures and status epilepticus were both reported in only 33% of the dogs. 58% of the dogs had no cluster seizures or status epilepticus, with 8% showing either just cluster seizures or status epilepticus. Only 68% of the dogs received anti-seizure medication -mostly monotherapy-, and 62% of these experienced side effects. The owner-provided quality of life of the dog was positive with a score of 8,0±2,2 (mean ± SD) and was correlated to the owner’s quality of life. The frequency of epileptic seizures,the occurrence of cluster seizures and status epilepticus, and the occurrence of side effects were all reducing factors for the dog’s and owner’s quality of life.