What is Lafora disease?
Lafora disease is an inherited neurological disorder that affects both humans and a number of dog breeds, including the Basset Hound. Epileptic seizures can occur with Lafora disease. Symptoms are varied and include a characteristic quick and involuntary jerking of the head backward (myoclonus), jaw smacking, panic attacks, impaired vision, loss of balance, aggression and urinary incontinence.
In humans, the disease generally becomes apparent in adolescence, but in dogs the disease is considered "late-onset," often first appearing around 5-7 years of age. Symptoms can occur spontaneously or be triggered by sudden sounds or movements, or flashing/flickering light, and can progress to partial or generalized epileptic seizures. Diet and medication are thought to help in controlling seizures, but Lafora is ultimately fatal.
What causes Lafora disease?
Lafora disease is caused by a genetic mutation that produces intracellular accumulation of abnormal glycogen, a type of inclusion bodies known as Lafora bodies. The mutation is believed to be recessive, meaning that dogs can have a single copy of the mutation but be free of the disease, but if the dog inherits copies of the mutation from both parents, the dog may develop the disease.
How can I find out if my dog has the genetic mutation related to Lafora disease?
Neogen/Paw Print Genetics has a cheek-swab test for the genetic mutation related to Lafora. Tests can be ordered from Paw Print Genetics at pawprintgenetics.com.
Watch these videos to learn more about Lafora disease in dogs and humans
The Basset Hound Club of America Health Committee has hosted several Zoom presentations about Lafora disease. These presentations were recorded, and the recordings posted to YouTube. Below are links to these presentations.
- Click here to view the BHCA Health Committee's August 25, 2022, Zoom meeting with Paw Print Genetics about Lafora disease.
- Click here to view the BHCA Health Committee's September 20, 2022, Zoom meeting with Dr. Matt Gentry on how Lafora disease develops and treatments being developed for Lafora disease.
- Click here to view the BHCA Health Committee's October 13, 2023, Zoom meeting with Dr. Matt Gentry and Dr. Berge Minassian on progress in research on treatments to reduce symptoms of Lafora disease on both dogs and humans.