Juvenile Myoclonic Epilepsy (JME)
JME is an inherited defect only in Rhodesian Ridgebacks. It is from a recessive mode of inheritance which means an Affected dog would have inherited two copies of the mutation -one from each parent. A Carrier of JME would have inherited only one copy of the mutation – from only one parent. A dog Clear of JME does not have any copies of the mutation. Research background click here
The symptoms of JME are untypical to the more common Epileptic symptoms. Symptoms of JME are frequent twitches and myoclonic muscle jerks, usually when the dog is sleeping or resting. All affected dogs have been of a young age, ranging from 6 weeks to 18 months when symptoms were first noticed. Some dogs can also develop more severe tonic-clonic seizures (also known as Grand Mal seizures). These seizures are more typical types of seizures associated with Epilepsy in general. Photosensitivity has also been noticed in some affected dogs, where seizure activity has been brought on by flashing lights.
There is now a commercial test available for all Rhodesian Ridgebacks. Here in the UK we can test at Laboklin (www.laboklin.co.uk). It is just a simple blood sample or buccal swab carried out and verified by your vet. The test will determine the JME status of your Rhodesian Ridgeback as either CLEAR, CARRIER or AFFECTED of JME.
(Click here for chart of JME inheritance)Image: Katka Vlackova
For further information click the topics below
