First, a detailed history is needed. If a cause of the cause of the seizure can not be identified, the condition is diagnosed as idiopathic or primary epilepsy. There is no test to diagnose epilepsy per se, our tests simply rule out other causes of seizures. Epilepsy generally starts in animals 6 months to 5 years of age, usually at 2-3 years. Epilepsy occurs in all breeds, including mixed breeds.
Epilepsy can be a genetic trait.
It can even be familial where the epileptic disorder can pass down through generations within one family. Beagles, German shepherds, Irish setters, poodles, St. Bernards, springers, malamutes and huskies, cockers, collies, dachshunds and golden and Labrador retrievers are some of the breeds which have a higher tendency to develop epilepsy. It is recommended that dogs with epilepsy should not be used for breeding since this tendency can be inherited . Treatment for epilepsy is usually not begun until a seizure is severe or multiple seizures have occurred and a pattern is observed. It is very important to know the pattern of seizures in your pet so your veterinarian can determine if the treatment is helping.