Epilepsy in Welsh Springer Spaniels

Epilepsy affects a very small number of Welsh Springer Spaniels (possibly less that 1%).  This is a devastating disease and because of this most Welsh Springer breeders feel that one epileptic Welsh Springer is one too many. 

 In 1999 Welsh Springer breeders were given the opportunity to participate in a study headed by Dr. Gary Johnson at the University of Missouri at Columbia  to locate the genetic cause for epilepsy.  Initially, it was unknown if the breed would be accepted in the study.   Intensive efforts on the part of dedicated breeders across the country and in Canada, provided enough samples of  families (parents, affected and nonaffected siblings and where available grandparents) that along with Standard Schnauzers and English Springer Spaniels, Welsh Springers were accepted into the phase 2.  In this study mapping of the actual genetic mutation(s) will occur.  

Again owners of Welsh Springers are being called upon to help by assisting with funding.  This research is being funded by the AKC Canine Health Foundation (CHF).  Donations to the CHF are 100% tax deductible and are eligible for employer matching funds where available.  All funds from the Welsh Springer donor advised fund that are turned over to our researcher are matched by the CHF.  

Any and all donations are gratefully accepted.  To donate, please send a check made out to: AKC-CHF Welsh Springer Spaniel donor advised fund and mail it to the Welsh Springer Spaniel Club of America's treasurer:  Mr. Ronald Mengel, 1104 Manchester Lane, Naperville, IL 60563.

Dr. Johnson's lab is also allowing the Welsh Springers to data bank all dogs regardless of their epilepsy status.  By doing this any dog data banked can be tested if and when a test becomes available.  

To submit samples either to be a part of the epilepsy study or data bank, please down load the forms below.  You can contact me and I will send you all the necessary blood tubes and mailing supplies for a nominal cost.  All testing and results are private.  

For further information please contact Colleen O'Keefe (health chair WSSCA) or Liz Hansen (Dr. Johnson's co-coordinator).  Updates on the study and further answers to questions about epilepsy can be found at the Canine Epilepsy Network sponsored by the University of Missouri at Columbia.  

The following forms may be copied to submit samples to the study:

• General information                                            

• Sample handling                                                 

• Data bank questionnaire                                     

• Submitting tissues from litters                             

• Litter information sheet

• Litter list

• Submitting samples from outside North America