Genetic testing for epilepsy-associated mutations is transforming breeding programs in affected breeds, offering a path to reduced epilepsy prevalence and improved canine welfare.
Epilepsy is a significant welfare burden in affected breeds. Dogs with epilepsy experience recurring seizures throughout their lives, along with the chronic medication side effects and owner anxiety that accompany the condition. Genetic testing allows breeders to identify carriers and make informed breeding decisions that reduce the frequency of affected offspring. This is not about eliminating breeds but improving them — selecting for the behavioral and physical traits that make each breed distinctive while reducing the genetic diseases that cause suffering. Responsible breeders who use health testing and publish results are making a genuine contribution to breed-wide welfare.