Clinical, epidemiological and treatment aspects of Idiopathic Epilepsy in 25 Golden Retrievers: results of a long-term study

The records of 25 Golden Retrievers with idiopathic epilepsy were reviewed. One goal was to identify objective aspects enabling a realistic prognosis prior to treatment. In half the dogs seizures occured for the first time at the age of one to three years and were mostly generalised. The character, feeding habits and confinement of the dogs played a minor role in the clini cal manifestation of the fits, but they were seen mostly during sleep in tw o thirds of the dogs. Because of the long follow-up period some important f indings were made. At the beginning of the standardized long-term therapy w ith phenobarbital a success was observed in two thirds of the dogs, while a fter four years the symptoms worsened significantly in about half the dogs. We found no better success rate in castrated dogs. Dogs responded well to therapy if treated as early as possible.