Details about the disease
Lafora’s disease is an inherited form of epilepsy that is caused by a faulty enzyme that breaks down carbohydrates. In affected dog's, a toxic starch-like material builds up inside cells, particularly nervous, liver and muscle tissue, causing clinical effects.
Clinical signs
Clinical effects of Lafora’s disease include rapid shuddering or jerking, which may be spontaneous or as a result of loud noise, flickering lights or sudden movement. Clinical signs typically occur in animals over 5 to 7 years of age and may progress slowly over many years. The disease progresses slowly over many years and gradually other neurological problems such as ataxia (loss of control of movement), blindness and dementia occur.
How is it inherited?
The disease is described as an autosomal-recessive condition. This means that a dog must inherit two copies of an abnormal gene (one from its mother and one from its father) before its health is affected. A dog that inherits only one copy of the abnormal gene (from its mother or its father) will have no signs of the disease, but will be a carrier and may pass the gene on to any offspring.
Which laboratories we record and publish the results from?
To find out which laboratories The Kennel Club is able to record results from, and which laboratories will send results directly to The Kennel Club, please refer to our website.
Please be aware, The Kennel Club has a set of criteria that we request DNA testing laboratories to meet to enable us to record their results, helping to maintain and protect the integrity of results that appear on a dog’s record. We strongly advise that customers ensure their chosen laboratory is included on our list if they wish The Kennel Club to record and publish the results. Results from laboratories not included on this list will not be recorded.
Breeding advice and what your dog's results mean
If, once your dog is DNA tested, you would like to find out what their DNA test results mean, or how to select the right mate to avoid producing affected puppies, then please read our breeding advice and DNA testing information.
How to find out if a potential mate has been DNA tested
The Kennel Club’s Health Test Results Finder allows you to find the results of DNA tests carried out as part of The Kennel Club's official DNA testing schemes for any dog on The Kennel Club’s Breed Register.