Re: [PyrNet-L] Re: Rage Syndrome

["Patti Brunkala" <menditar@grrtech.com>]

> 
> What I did learn at this time was that vets were delving
> into the possibility that it had to do with the dog reaching 
> maturity, the size of the skull cavity and the size 
> of the brain. Perhaps too much brain, and not enough 
> capacity.
> 
> I never went any further into the problems since I did
> not think it involved our breed. Now I really would like
> to learn more. 
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I haven't heard of the skull capacity theory.  What I have learned is that
Rage does *probably* occur (very seldom, thankfully) in pyrs.  I say
probably because actually diagnosing Rage is diffucult, I understand (no
actual medical tests to confirm Rage - just behavioral observations etc). 
Rage has been studied in Springer Spaniels and the conclusion was that it
is a "seizure disorder".  However, I have also learned that true Rage
Syndrome is very rare, and that anti-convulsants and sedatives are only
marginally effective for only a short time.  I believe a website or two on
Springer Spaniels may have some more info on the condition, but I haven't
had the chance to use the searcher yet.

I've been with a pyr who seizured (& died of the seizures) and I thought
that was scary, but to combine seizures with aggression, sounds downright
frightful!  Hopefully we will learn more about this horrible condition -
and how to prevent (or reduce) it!

Patti Brunkala
menditar@grrtech.com
Gold Hill, Oregon