Benign familial juvenile epilepsy / BFJE (LGI2-related) - Lagotto Romagnolo

What does this test examine?

This genetic test analyses the LGI2 variant c.1552A>T in the Lagotto Romagnolo. The condition is known as BFJE / benigne familiaire juveniele epilepsie, also called BFJE, benign familial juvenile epilepsy, juvenile epilepsy and remitting focal epilepsy.

BFJE is an epilepsy form typically seen in young dogs. Seizures can be striking and worrying for owners and breeders, even when the course may improve later.

Practical value of this test

• The result helps breeders identify carriers and dogs with a relevant risk genotype.
• It supports breeding choices that strongly reduce the chance of affected puppies.
• For owners and veterinarians, the result adds clear genetic context for early signs, breed screening and breeding or purchase decisions.

Who benefits from this test?

This analysis is valuable for breeders who want to know inherited risks before planning a mating, for owners who want clarity about their dog’s genetic status and for veterinarians who want genetic context for early or breed-associated signs. The test supports selection without unnecessarily excluding good breeding animals: a carrier can often still be used responsibly when paired with a clear-tested partner.

• helps reveal hidden carriers before puppies are born;
• makes pedigree and line planning more concrete because each dog has its own result;
• reduces the chance of unexpected affected puppies when results are used consistently;
• gives buyers and puppy owners clearer information about inherited health within the line.

Inheritance and result meaning

The genetic interpretation is nuanced: in breeding, the variant is mainly used to avoid risk combinations, while one copy also requires careful interpretation. The test helps reduce the chance of puppies with a clearly increased genetic burden. The result should therefore be read as genetic information for breeding planning and risk management, not as a simple yes/no diagnosis.