Idiopathic epilepsy is a “diagnosis of exclusion” – there is no test at this time that says “yes, this dog has epilepsy”. A dog experiencing repeated seizures, with no identifiable underlying cause (tests run to exclude things that can cause a seizure), is diagnoses as an idiopathic epileptic. Most people don’t run every test known to veterinary medicine, as that’s quite expensive and probably not productive in terms of changing the treatment plan, but there are basic tests that rule out major things. We have info on testing and why to do or not do various tests in the “Basics” section of our website – http://www.canine-epilepsy.net/. Bottom line, a dog experiencing seizures is affected with seizures; repeated seizures over time, the dog is called an epileptic – but could be primary (idiopathic) or secondary epilepsy (caused by something, such as a tumor, etc).
When we see idiopathic epilepsy in dogs in their prime – 1-5yrs – when they should be healthy and have no problems, tests show no underlying cause, it is generally assumed they have inherited “something” that is allowing them to seize. That “something” is what we’re trying to find. When we can identify the mutation, or find a marker linked to the disease, then there WILL be a test for inherited epilepsy. We’re not there yet though!
Liz Hansen
Animal Molecular Genetics Laboratory University of Missouri - College of Veterinary Medicine
321 Connaway Hall Columbia, MO 65211
573-884-3712