Temporal Lobe Epilepsy

aka Canine Rage Syndrome

This page was specifically created for information & links related to
Temporal Lobe Epilepsy, Complex Partial Seizures,
Idiopathic, and inherited Epilepsy in dogs....

The information given is stated to the best of my knowledge (I'm certainly not an expert)....
I hope to eventually include footnotes of sorts, sources which have helped me
in my search to understand TLE affliction in canines....

It's my hope that this information will help others, both human & canine :)

TLE deeply affected my life in 1997. At the time, all I knew of was the term "Rage Syndrome"
& that it was related to Epilepsy. It was extremely difficult to find any information
in either printed material or on the internet at that time.
I'm thoroughly convinced, from my personal experience and what I've read,
that "Rage Syndrome" is in fact Temporal Lobe Epilepsy.

What I've learned through my searching.... Temporal Lobe Epilepsy is a Complex Partial Seizure,
which is an Idiopathic (possibly inherited) disease. The seizures (in Springers) usually start to occur between
the ages of 18-24 months, which is an indication of an inherited disorder. It is not a common disease in English Springer Spaniels.... But the term "Springer Rage" is often misused to label any member of
the breed who exhibits aggressive or dominant behavior.

In my dog's case, he would unpredictably "freeze" in whatever position he was in;
his muscles would tense; eyes would glaze-over; he'd snarl; emit a low growl; and sometimes snap or lunge
at the demons unseen by all but him. After the seizures, he seemed confused but was always his normal,
happy self.... He'd wag his little tail and look at us with those sweet Spaniel eyes,
wondering why everyone was watching him.

The final decision after your canine companion is diagnosed with Rage Syndrome is very difficult.
No matter what your choice is, there will be individuals who say yours was wrong. You, however,
are the one that has to do what feels right for both you and your dog.

Our Struggle With Rage Syndrome

In my opinion, a few reasons why TLE isn't more common in Springers includes:

Springers don't fully mature until about 2 years of age.
Most TLE seizures in Springers begin at 18-24 months.
Responsible breeders don't breed their English Springer Spaniels until they're fully mature.
Responsible breeders screen dogs for health problems.
Responsible breeders keep in contact with owners of pups they produce.

This disease is not limited to English Springer Spaniels however. Other breeds I've met owners of
both on-line and in-person who've experienced this terrible disease include: English Cocker Spaniels;
American Cocker Spaniels; Irish Water Spaniels; German Shepherd Dogs; and English Bulldogs.
There is a touching true story on-line from an owner of an Irish Water Spaniel: The Last Visit.

Canine Epilepsy Links

Canine Epilepsy Network
Louie's Canine Page
Schipperke Castle's Canine Epilepsy Page
Epilepsy Ontario-Veterinary
Canine Epilepsy FAQ @ recpetsdogs
ESSFTA Inherited Epilepsy Page
Managing Epileptic Dogs
Pets 1st-Epilepsy Page
Dog Owners Guide
Thyroid Info.com
Bulldog's World
Guardian Angels
Epil-K9

Epilepsy Links-Not Canine Specific

Epilepsy Ontario-Complex Partial Seizures

The best information source I've found to date is
"The Book of the English Springer Spaniel"
by Anna K. Nicholas....

Buy this book @ Amazon.com

Please visit Elton's Escapades....
In memory of my very special Springer boy.

Back To My ESS Info Page

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