Benign Familial Juvenile Epilepsy (BFJE) was first recognized and reported in the Lagotto Romagnolo as early as 2002. It is an autosomal recessive inherited benign juvenile epilepsy.
Affected dogs suffer from epileptic seizures (body tremors, uncoordinated movement and stiffness).
The onset of symptoms occurs from 5-9 weeks old. After the affected animal reaches 4 months old the seizures resolve.
Some carriers may also have epileptic signs through adulthood.
Genetic testing identifies which dogs carry the gene, are clear of the gene, or are affected by the gene.
It is recommended that all dogs are tested prior to breeding to ensure that healthy puppies are produced.