CANINE EPILEPTOID CRAMPING SYDNROME IN BORDER TERRIERS
Border terriers are known to suffer from a condition called Canine Epileptoid Cramping
Syndrome (or Spike’s disease). Border terriers with CECS have episodes of difficulty walking,
ranging from incoordination to a complete inability to stand, and flexing of the limbs, head and
neck. Episodes can last minutes or hours with dogs being normal in between. Some owners
have reported mild to severe gastrointestinal signs such as vomiting or diarrhoea in between
episodes, though this is not always seen. Importantly, dogs usually remain aware of their
surroundings during an episode and will recognise their name being called. This and often the
long duration of the episodes distinguishes CECS from an epileptic seizure.
An epileptic seizure (or fit) is a sudden and uncontrolled burst of electrical activity in the
brain that may cause your dog to chomp and chew, foam at the mouth, jerk the legs, and
involuntarily pass urine or stools. Dogs are usually unresponsive during a seizure and gradually
regain normal awareness minutes or hours after the fit.
Recently, we have identified blood markers (biomarkers) that support the hypothesis that
CECS in Border terriers is linked to a specific type of diet. We are now seeking Border terriers
with suspected CECS as well as Border terriers with epileptic seizures in order to further
develop this diagnostic blood test. In doing this it is hoped we can understand the cause of
CECS and see if we can find better ways of treating the condition. The aim is to use this
information to help affected Border terriers and their owners who were left until now with no
means of diagnosing or treating this debilitating condition. It is hoped that this research may
even become useful to help people who suffer from similar conditions.
If you think your Border terrier may have epileptic seizures or CECS, or something that may
resemble one of these conditions, or if you would like further information, then please contact
Mark Lowrie at the address below, email: mll@vetspecialists.co.uk or telephone +441582
883950. We add our reassurance that all details collected from owners and their dogs will be
anonymised by the principal veterinary investigator (ML) and all identification data will remain
strictly confidential.
Mark Lowrie, Laurent Garosi, Davies Veterinary Specialists, Manor Farm Business Park,
Higham Gobion, Hertfordshire SG5 3HR, United Kingdom.