Posted with permission of and directly from The Canine Genetics Centre
Understanding the genetics of epilepsy
The Border Collie is famed for having a robust constitution that enables it to work tirelessly in often demanding conditions. However, despite its hardy reputation, the breed is one of the most severely affected by idiopathic epilepsy (IE). IE doesn’t only affect Border Collies, it is the most common chronic neurological disease in dogs, with an estimated prevalence of 0.6 to 0.75 per cent in the general canine population.
One of the key objectives of the Border Collie and Working Sheepdog Fitting Database is to help current and future research into this distressing condition. As part of this aim, we are keen to support an investigation into the genetic factors underlying IE, which is being carried out at the Canine Genetics Centre in the Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge. The CGC is conducting a large-scale genetic analysis aiming to identify DNA variants that may increase a dog’s susceptibility to IE. The goal is to develop tools to identify dogs at greater risk of developing the disease, to lower the incidence of the condition in future. Since IE is a complex disease, large sample numbers are needed for this research – which is where you can help! The CGC team are looking for: - Border Collies that have been diagnosed with IE (any age), or - Healthy Border Collies (8 years old or over) If you have a dog that meets either of these criteria, and you would be willing to submit a DNA sample using a cheek swab collection kit provided by the CGC, please contact: [email protected] For more information about IE research at the CGC, visit: their Website or see their Facebook Page 
You can help keep the genetics centre going by donating on their "Just Giving" page
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