What is a "Chinook seizure"?

Some Chinook dogs experience classic epilepsy while others are experiencing atypical episodes that do not fit the classic descriptions for canine epilepsy or seizure behavior. Chinooks experiencing these unusual episodes will collapse or freeze in place yet they remain alert - they can make voluntary movements such as moving toward you when called, and they can rebound from an episode immediately afterwards with no apparent side effects.

This list was created to support the owners of Chinooks who experience this condition as well as classic epilepsy. Let's discuss possible causes, triggers, testing, treatments, and the genetic research at the University of Missouri and look at conditions such as movement disorders, seizures, and epilepsy, as they relate to the Chinook.

The exact diagnosis and mode of inheritance for this Chinook disorder has yet to be identified but Chinook owners are working with the University of Missouri: providing blood samples, pedigrees, and filling out questionnaires in order to identify this condition and to better understand how best to treat and breed away from it, and hopefully
to develop genetic testing.

Since one condition can relate to others, all aspects of Chinook health and genetics may be discussed on this list.

Photo: This is a still photo of a Chinook in the middle of a Chinook type seizure. To view the video visit Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b3OXM3G8IVs