[Clinical, epidemiologic and therapeutic aspects of idiopathic epilepsy in 25 golden retrievers: results of a long term study].

The records of 25 Golden Retrievers with idiopathic epilepsy were reviewed. One goal was to identify objective aspects enabling a realistic prognosis prior to treatment. In half the dogs seizures occurred for the first time at the age of one to three years and were mostly generalised. The character, feeding habits and confinement of the dogs played a minor role in the clinical manifestation of the fits, but they were seen mostly during sleep in two thirds of the dogs. Because of the long follow-up period some important findings were made. At the beginning of the standardized long-term therapy with phenobarbital a success was observed in two thirds of the dogs, while after four years the symptoms worsened significantly in about half the dogs. We found no better success rate in castrated dogs. Dogs responded well to therapy if treated as early as possible.