Rage syndrome

Rage syndrome is a rare but serious behavioural problem that has been reported most commonly in the English Springer Spaniel but also in a variety of other dog breeds. It is often misdiagnosed as it can be confused with other forms of aggression. It is thought to be genetic in origin and is heritable. A variety of treatments are available, but need to be tailored to the individual needs of the specific dog. Seizures are thought to cause neurological abnormalities that result in random spurts of rage.

Rage syndrome is more common in solid coloured English Cocker Spaniels.

Rage syndrome
Other names	A22, episodic dyscontrol, complex partial temporal lobe seizures, Mental lapse aggression syndrome
A Belgian Malinois being euthanized.
Specialty	Neurology
Symptoms	Fatal dog attacks Dog bites Seizures
Complications	Behavioral euthanasia
Usual onset	1–3 years old
Duration	Lifelong
Causes	Unknown
Risk factors	PolyA(22) (in Malinois), DAT-VNTR (in Malinois), likely other genetic factors, breed, seizures
Diagnostic method	EEG, with complete exclusion of other medical conditions via thorough medical testing
Differential diagnosis	Any untreated illness (Pathophysiological aggression) or behavioral condition
Prevention	Selective breeding, Health testing (PolyA(22) test, in Malinois)
Management	Anticonvulsants, muzzling, barrier use, lifestyle changes
Medication	Antiepileptic drugs (Phenobarbital)
Prognosis	Generally poor

Although the scientific evidence is limited, rage syndrome has been described as an epileptic disorder affecting the emotion-related parts of the dog's brain.[1]

A variety of treatments include antiepileptics.[2]