Research in Standard Schnauzers is Helping Uncover the Genetic Link of a Challenging Neurologic Disorder
Epilepsy is the most common neurological disorder in dogs, but many questions remain about why it occurs and why some dogs have more severe symptoms than others.
Idiopathic epilepsy is the most common type of epilepsy in dogs, and the term ‘idiopathic’ means there is no known cause. This can be especially frustrating for dog owners and veterinarians seeking clear answers.
However, “no known cause” doesn’t necessarily mean there isn’t one. In many cases, researchers suspect that underlying genetic factors may be involved, even if they haven’t yet been identified.
At the University of Missouri, Dr. Martin Katz, Director of the Neurodegenerative Diseases Research Laboratory, is studying epilepsy in Standard Schnauzers with support from the AKC Canine Health Foundation. His research focuses on determining whether this breed may carry a hereditary form of the disease and whether a specific DNA sequence variant is linked to it.
A Hereditary Pattern in Standard Schnauzers
Standard Schnauzers are energetic, smart, sociable family dogs. A recent health survey estimated the prevalence of epilepsy in the breed at about 1.3%. Based on the cases his team has evaluated, Dr. Katz said there appears to be a form of epilepsy in the breed that is a recessive X-linked inherited trait.
That inheritance pattern matters because it points researchers toward a specific genetic explanation. It also offers hope that, with further study, the disorder may become better understood in ways that could help breeders and owners make more informed decisions.
Epilepsy can be frightening to witness. A dog may appear perfectly normal one moment, then suddenly collapse, stiffen, drool, or convulse. Afterwards, the dog may stay confused or disoriented. In Standard Schnauzers, research indicates the disease often appears in young dogs, around one to one and a half years old, with seizures that are typically more severe and can last up to three minutes.
Searching for the Genetic Link
To better understand the disorder, Dr. Katz and the Canine Genetics Lab at the University of Missouri have been studying a family of Standard Schnauzers with multiple affected littermates. Their goal is to identify the genetic basis by comparing affected and unaffected related dogs.
As Dr. Katz explained to CHF, the team is looking for genetic markers, or DNA sequence variants, that are unique to affected dogs. After identifying potential disease-associated variants through whole genome sequencing, the researchers can develop screening tests for those variants and study whether the association holds in a larger population of dogs with known disease status.
Dr. Katz writes, “If we can identify the DNA sequence variant responsible for this disorder, Standard Schnauzer owners will be able to screen their dogs for the variant to guide breeding and treatment decisions.”
This work reflects the kind of progress made possible through donor support. Each step helps researchers come closer to a clearer understanding of epilepsy in this breed and offers hope for brighter days ahead for dogs and the people who love them.
To support continued genetic research, please visit akcchf.org/donate.
