Health & Welfare

Epilepsy, dog owner factsheet (200.4 kB)

Dear Italian Greyhound Owner
 
The Italian Greyhound Rescue Charity has instigated research into epilepsy in the breed to help eradicate the condition from one of our oldest Toy breeds.
 
We are delighted that Scientists at the Animal Health Trust are joining forces with other scientists from across Europe in an exciting project to investigate the genetic basis of epilepsy in canines and in particular in Italian Greyhounds. If we are to be successful we need DNA samples from large numbers of dogs both affected and non affected. The Italian Greyhound Rescue Charity wishes to test as many IG's as possible and asks for your cooperation with this.
 
The DNA can be provided by a simple cheek saliva swab. Sample collections from different research groups will be pooled and used collectively to identify the mutations responsible for epilepsy. The project is likely to take several years to complete but the first, and arguably most important, step is sample collection.
 
 If you are willing and keen to participate in this scheme, please contact Helen Lister at igrescue@btinternet.com for a sample kit. The procedure to follow is fully explained in the kit and once done should be returned to the AHT.
 
The Charity will keep you informed of progress made and the Animal Health Trust will contact you directly should they have anything they wish to discuss with you regarding your dog's samples.
 
Thank you for helping us to give in the future, a pain free and happy life for all Italian Greyhounds and their owners.
 
Please don't hesitate to contact one of the trustees should you have any queries.
 
Kind regards

Helen Lister