Study Start Date: 11/01/2006
Study End Date: 10/31/2007

Genetics of Idiopathic Epilepsy in Border Collie Dogs

Idiopathic epilepsy afflicts many breeds of domestic dog. Disease expression both across and within breeds is highly variable (e.g., variation in age of onset and intensity, frequency, and duration of seizures). Best practices in the field of canine genetics and genomics now make it feasible to resolve complex diseases such as epilepsy by employing high density marker sets and using case-control association methodologies. Toward this end, our laboratory is soliciting DNA samples, clinical records, and pedigree information from Border Collie dogs that have exhibited seizures consistent with idiopathic epilepsy.

Study Design:
Case-controlled study

Sample Size:
100 dogs (50 affected, 50 control)

Inclusion criteria:
The emphasis in sample collection is on Border Collie dogs that have exhibited seizures that are consistent with idiopathic epilepsy. A definitive diagnosis of epilepsy is generally considered unattainable ("diagnosis by exclusion"), but several lines of evidence will be used to 'enrich' the case group animals for possessing causal factors.

Exclusion Criteria:
Dogs with structural causes of seizures, such as brain tumors, toxicities, etc.

Study Controls:
Control Border Collies that do not appear to be affected by epilepsy will be selected from the whole breed genealogical framework to control for confounding population variables such as stratification.

Documents for Download:
Border Collie Genetics Survey

Samples:
3-5 mL of whole blood in ACD or EDTA vacutainer tubes are needed from Border Collies that have exhibited seizures. The blood should be sent by FedEx overnight at ambient temperature to our laboratory.
Please use FedEx Acct# 2527-7516-1. (Check 'bill recipient'.)
Blood collections will be reimbursed up to $15/draw.

Costs/Reimbursements:
Participants will be reimbursed up to $15 for the cost of the blood draw.

Full Disclosure information:

• The study is funded by an institutional (university intramural) grant.
• The investigators do not have any conflict of interest.
• The study will be published if results are negative.
• The study will be reported on VIN.
• VIN will be acknowledged in publication if contributions are substantial.