Prevalence and potential risk factors associated with idiopathic epilepsy in Golden Retrievers

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Abstract
Background: Idiopathic epilepsy (IE) in Golden Retrievers (GRs) has a suspected genetic basis with several endogenous risk factors potentially affecting the disease, including sex, breed subtypes, and chronic comorbidities. A subdivision into working (W-GRs) and show (S-GRs) Golden Retrievers presents a unique opportunity to investigate possible line-related risk factors. Hypothesis/Objectives: Define prevalence and investigate risk factors for IE in a population of Swedish GRs. We hypothesized a high prevalence of IE in GRs characterized by frequent cluster seizures, with the following representing potential risk factors for IE: subtype W-GR, male, and gastrointestinal or dermatologic signs or both. Animals: Twenty-nine client-owned GRs with IE and 714 controls. Methods: Prospective questionnaire-based study exploring the dog’s health status, living conditions, and possible seizures, including questions regarding seizure characteristics, treatments, and clinical outcomes in affected dogs. Data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics and a logistic regression model was used to estimate the effect of potential risk factors on the probability of IE. Results: The prevalence of IE in GRs was 3.9%, with 48.2% presenting with cluster seizures. A significant difference in prevalence of IE between W-GRs and S-GRs was not found. Being male, showing signs of gastrointestinal disease, and cereal-free diets were associated with increased risk of IE. Conclusions and clinical importance: Golden retrievers have an increased risk of IE, often presenting with cluster seizures. The association between IE and gastrointestinal disease might lead to new therapeutic strategies, but further investigations are needed.

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