I've written once before about Lafora Disease in mini wirehair dachshunds, but it also does affect some beagles and bassett hounds, hence the name of the thread.

Lafora is an inherited form of epilepsy that only becomes apparent when the dog reaches middle age. It can cause fitting, jerking (myclonus), unsteadiness (ataxia), blindness and dementia.

In 2010, the Wirehaired Dachshund Club tested 100 mini wires and found that around 10% were affected, meaning that up to 45% may be carriers.

If you plan to breed from your Mini Wire, unless you know the DNA status of your dog or bitch you are at risk of producing puppies that are “Affected” by the Lafora mutation and who will go on to develop the condition. If you do know the status, you can take an informed breeding decision which means your puppies will never show any signs of this disease.

In August 2011, the WHDC launched a UK wide DNA testing programme using a full DNA test that can identify "affected", "carrier" and "clear dogs". there is now no excuse for producing “Affected” puppies.

If you are a pet owner and are thinking of buying one of these delightful little dogs - don't be put off, just make sure that you ask the right questions and find a breeder who has had their dogs tested.

You can find out how to get your dog tested or read more about the condition at Lafora Dogs, or reply to this thread and I'd be happy to help.

A quick update on my previous posting. 150 mini wire dachshunds have now been registered for testing and the first results will be available at the end of this week. All results will be posted on the WHDC Wirehaired Dachshund Club website and also be available via the Kennel Club Mate Select service.

It is particularly important that you get your dog tested if you are thinking of getting it mated, or if your dog is older and showing signs of epilepsy, jerking, difficulty with vision or changes in behaviour.

If you are thinking about getting a mini wire, it is absolutely vitally important that if you ask the breeder about this disease. Do not be fobbed off by them saying that their dogs have never shown any sign of the disease. The condition only becomes apparent from age 5 onwards, and some breeders sell on older dogs so never see it. Also, if their dog is a carrier, it wont show any sign, but if it is bred to another carrier or an affected then some at least of the puppies WILL be affected. Once this first round of dogs have been tested, then there will be puppies becoming available that will be guaranteed not to be affected, and as more dogs are tested, there will be more of these pups available - why not wait until you can buy from a responsible breeder who cares about the long term future of these dogs?

Thank you in advance

For more information visit Lafora Dogs