Research Updates

Chinook Seizures

Chinook Cryptorchid

University of Missouri Chinook Seizure Study

What does a Chinook seizure look like? How is a grand mal seizure different from a Chinook-type seizure? 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 immediately 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.  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 is 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 is to identify the causative mutation for the Chinook seizures and to provide a validated DNA test to Chinook breeders.    The principal investigator is Gary S. Johnson, DVM, PhD from the University of Missouri who has collected DNA from 34 affected Chinooks and over 200 clinically normal relatives.  The grant was financed by CHF and the Chinook Health Fund, a CHF Donor Advised Fund supported by the generosity of the Chinook community.

How can I help?  Blood samples are still needed for this study!  If you have a Chinook experiencing Chinook-type, or any other type of seizure, and you haven’t yet done so – please, send in a blood sample to UMO!  Blood samples from close relatives including the parents and siblings are also important to the research. 

It’s easy to participate!  We now have the UMO forms on the CCA website:

UMO Chinook Seizure Study Info

UMO Chinook Sample Handling

UMO Chinook Submission Form

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

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

Please share this information with other Chinook owners and help us find the cure!