Understanding Neurological Health in the Shetland Sheepdog

Quick answer

Shetland Sheepdogs are known for their intelligence and agility, but they can be affected by specific neurological conditions. The most significant concern for this breed is idiopathic epilepsy. While this can be a frightening experience for an owner, keeping a detailed log of your dog's behavior and capturing video evidence of any unusual episodes will help your veterinarian determine the best course of action for your pet.

Idiopathic Epilepsy

Idiopathic epilepsy is a condition that results in recurring seizures without an identifiable underlying cause. This is a recognised tendency in the breed. How this passes down is not settled, though it is suspected to be inherited. Owners typically notice the onset of these episodes between the ages of six months and five years.

At home, you might first notice your dog acting strangely, appearing disoriented, or suddenly losing control of their limbs. A seizure can manifest as twitching, stiffening, or full-body convulsions. During an episode, your dog may lose consciousness or display involuntary movements. After the seizure, the dog may appear confused, restless, or exhausted for a period of time.

When you visit the clinic, the veterinarian will perform a thorough physical and neurological examination to rule out other potential causes for the seizures. Blood work and other diagnostic tests are often used to ensure that the brain activity is not a symptom of a different systemic issue. Because there is no single test to confirm idiopathic epilepsy, the diagnosis is often reached by excluding other possibilities.