Age, breed and sex prevalence of epilepsy in dogs: A study in 148 dogs

Abstract

Seizure is the most common neurological presentation in dogs. Epilepsy is defined as a disease of the brain characterised by enduring predisposition to generate epileptic seizures. The dogs less than 6 months and more than 6 years are diagnosed with structural epilepsy and between 6 months and 6 years are diagnosed with idiopathic epilepsy commonly with certain exceptions in co – morbid conditions. So, the prevalence of epilepsy in relation to age, breed and sex was carried out. Among the breeds the pure breeds were grouped together which was higher in percentage and compared with non – descript native breeds and in each breed and age group males dominated females and number of dogs in age group of 6 months to 6 years was higher. Chi – square analysis was done to find out significant association between Age and breed, breed and sex, age and sex. There was significant association between breed and sex which needs further detailed analysis. This may be of interest in future epilepsy research in dogs.