Research Updates

Chinook Seizures

Chinooks and Seizures

What does a Chinook seizure look like? 

Some Chinook dogs experience grand mal seizures, or what one
considers classic epilepsy, while others experience atypical episodes
that don't fit the classic descriptions for canine epilepsy. Chinooks experiencing these unusual episodes will collapse or freeze in place
yet remain alert; they can make voluntary movements such as moving
toward you when called. Some may rebound from an episode immed-
iately afterwards with no apparent side effects, but sometimes it may
take hours to recover completely.
These atypical episodes have  become known as Chinook seizures or
Chinook-type seizures.  One theory is that these episodes are a form of
paroxysmal dyskinesia, a disorder not documented well in canines.  Some episodes are so slight that observers are not even aware that
a Chinook is experiencing a Chinook seizure.   And some Chinooks
have experienced both the Chinook seizures and classic grand mal seizures.

What has being done to help our Chinooks who experience these seizures? In January 2008, the AKC Canine Health Foundation approved Grant No. 847-A: Mapping and Identification of the Mutation Responsible for Epilepsy in the Chinook.  The goal of the UMO research was to identify the causative mutation for the Chinook seizures and to provide a validated DNA test to Chinook breeders.    The principal investigator, Gary S. Johnson, DVM, PhD,  from the University of Missouri  collected DNA from 34 affected Chinooks and over 200 clinically normal relatives.  The grant was financed by AKC CHF and the Chinook Health Fund, an AKC CHF Donor Advised Fund supported by the generosity of the Chinook community.

How can I help?  * Look for news here soon. (December 2010 notice)

Click on the link to view videos of Chinook seizure "dyskinesia" episodes.

Maia's Video: http://s397.photobucket.com/albums/pp55/jplant14/?action=view¤t=MaiaSeizure1.flv
Frisco and Kali's Video:  http://www.youtube.com/user/ChinookDogs

For additional information, visit the UMO website:  http://www.canine-epilepsy.net/ contact Nancy at Nancy@63.135.122.122 or Liz Hansen at hansenl@missouri.edu  

You may also want to join Chinook Healthnet, a discussion list specifically dedicated to sharing information on the Chinook Seizures and other health concerns facing the Chinook Breed:  http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/Chinook_healthnet/

Please share health and disease information with other Chinook owners
 and Breeders to  help us to breed healthy, long-lived Chinooks.