We at the Hannes Lohi Lab (University of Helsinki, Finland) are actively studying canine paroxysmal dyskinesia. Our research aims to:
1. Examine the prevalence and symptoms of paroxysmal dyskinesia in different dog breeds worldwide, and
2. Identify genes that contribute to paroxysmal dyskinesia.
We study canine paroxysmal dyskinesia through extensive international collaboration, which allows us to collect large and high-quality datasets. To facilitate this research, we established the international Canine Epilepsy and Dyskinesia Consortium in 2020.
How to Participate
We welcome samples from all dogs that have experienced dyskinesia episodes, regardless of breed.
We also welcome samples from close relatives of dogs that have experienced dyskinesia episodes, such as parents, siblings, or offspring.
1. Send us a blood sample from your dog. The sample can be taken, for example, during a regular visit to your veterinarian. Please see the instructions via the link below.
2. Send any additional information and attachments by email. These may include, for example, veterinary records and pathology reports. Please send any attachments to lgl-kyselyt@helsinki.fi.
3. Fill in the Epilepsy and Dyskinesia questionnaire. This questionnaire asks about the signs you have observed during your dog’s episodes, possible causes, and any veterinary examinations your dog may have had. If your dog has experienced dyskinesia episodes, completing this questionnaire is required to take part in the study. If your dog is healthy, you do not need to fill in this questionnaire.
4. We also encourage you to fill in the Dog Behaviour and Personality questionnaire. Information about behaviour helps us better understand the background of paroxysmal dyskinesia. In addition, your dog’s sample can then also be used in behaviour genetics studies.
Contact Persons
Doctoral researcher Tiina Harmas (tiina.heinonen@helsinki.fi)
Paroxysmal dyskinesia
Paroxysmal dyskinesia is a group of neurological movement disorders. They are characterized by episodes of involuntary movements. These episodes start and end suddenly and can last from seconds to hours. Unlike epilepsy, the dog is usually fully conscious during a dyskinesia episode.
The clinical signs during episodes and triggering factors vary between individuals and breeds. Episodes may include, for example, muscle stiffness, abnormal movements or postures, balance problems, or difficulty moving.
Paroxysmal dyskinesias often have a genetic background. Some genetic variants causing dyskinesia have been identified in certain breeds, but it is likely that some paroxysmal dyskinesias are multifactorial, meaning they are influenced by multiple genetic and environmental factors.
Research publications
Development of a novel epilepsy and dyskinesia survey for large-scale characterization of seizure semiology in dogs. Matz M, Harmas T, Wieländer F, Hakanen E, Nessler J, Volk HA, Tipold A, Mandigers P, Jokinen T, De Risio L, Ricketts S, Hytönen MK, Parmentier T, James F, Bhatti S, Kluger G, Lohi H, Fischer A. J Vet Int Med, 39:e70077, 2025. The University of Helsinki’s press release about the research (in Finnish): ”Uusi työkalu auttaa tunnistamaan koiran epilepsiakohtauksen”
A TNR Frameshift Variant in Weimaraner Dogs with an Exercise-Induced Paroxysmal Movement Disorder. Christen M, Gutierrez-Quintana R, Green M, Faller KME, Lowrie M, Rusbridge C, Bossens K, Mellersh C, Pettitt L, Heinonen T, Lohi H, Jagannathan V, Leeb T. Mov Disord. 2023 Apr 6.
Paroxysmal Dyskinesia in Border Terriers: Clinical, Epidemiological, and Genetic Investigations. Stassen QEM, Koskinen LLE, van Steenbeek FG, Seppälä EH, Jokinen TS, Prins PGM, Bok HGJ, Zandvliet MMJM, Vos-Loohuis M, Leegwater PAJ, Lohi H.
