Lafora Disease Progression Survey

Post date: Dec 29, 2012 3:10:33 PM

Gill Key (Pet Advisor to the Breed Council's Health Sub-committee) has recently completed a survey into the symptoms and progression of Lafora Disease in Mini Wire Dachshunds. Her full report is available at Laforadogs.org

In October/November 2012, the Laforadogs team conducted a survey amongst owners of known and suspected Lafora affected dogs, including those diagnosed as affected via the WHDC Lafora testing scheme who have, as yet, not shown any symptoms.

Some of the key findings are as follows:

• • Nearly 72% of those surveyed reported the age of onset of first symptoms was between 5-8 years old, with a mean age of onset of 7 years 1 month

  • When symptoms first started, only 1 vet recognised that they may be related to Lafora

  • 100% of owners of dogs with Lafora symptoms reported myoclonus (twitching/jerking back), and of other symptoms seen, petit mal, reaction to sunlight, lack of coordination were mentioned the most times

A presentation of the survey results is available below:

A new Survey has been developed in conjunction with Dr Clare Rusbridge, one of the Veterinary Neurologists who first recognised Lafora-like symptoms in Mini Wires. The survey includes questions about the dates of birth and death, age of onset and level of veterinary knowledge,/awareness. It also asks respondents about progression of the disease, including the age at which each of the symptoms appeared, if at all.

For more information about this new survey, please contact: laforadogs@btinternet.co.uk