Kennel Club hosts free Canine Epilepsy webinar

Idiopathic Epilepsy (unknown origin) is a condition that was reported in 4% of Miniature Longhaired Dachshunds from our Dachs-Life 2012, 2015 & 2018 Surveys. This is significantly more than in any of the other varieties of Dachshund. If your Dachshund (any variety) is affected, you can submit a report here.

Our Epilepsy summary is here.

Mini Wire Dachshunds can suffer from a particular form of epilepsy, called Lafora Disease. There is a DNA test for this and responsible breeders will be screening their dogs and bitches prior to breeding.

The Kennel Club has organised a free webinar for owners and breeders who would like to find out more about canine epilepsy, including what research has told us to date, and how best to support dogs affected with the condition, and their owners.

The webinar, organised by The Kennel Club’s health team and taking place via Microsoft Teams on Monday 30th January 2023 from 7:00pm-8:30pm, will serve as an opportunity to refresh interested parties’ knowledge of epilepsy, learn more about the complexities of the condition and what future research could teach us. Those interested in attending the webinar can register here.

The webinar will include a presentation and question and answer session with world-renowned specialist Professor Holger Volk, who has pioneered advancements in canine neurology research throughout his career. The event will give owners and breeders who have varying experience with the condition a chance to learn more via Professor Volk’s expertise and experience.

Epilepsy is the most common chronic neurological disorder in dogs, affecting an estimated 0.6-0.7% of all dogs in the UK alone – around one in 130 dogs. It is identified as a priority condition through the Breed Health and Conservation Plan project, run by The Kennel Club in collaboration with breed clubs, for 35 breeds, equivalent to almost 20% of Kennel Club registered dogs. Sadly, there is no known prevention for this disease, but there are tools and resources available to support affected dogs and their owners.

Those interested in attending this event can register here.

More information about canine epilepsy is available at thekennelclub.org.uk/epilepsy/