12/14/2025
We want to take a moment to share an important and difficult update with our Down East Setters and Labs community.
Out of a total of 47 Irish Setter puppies that we have produced here over the last several years, one of them has unfortunately been diagnosed with idiopathic epilepsy. We take matters like this extremely seriously, and we believe honesty and transparency are non-negotiable when it comes to the dogs we produce and the families who trust us.
This is the only case of seizures or epilepsy we have ever seen in any of our Irish Setters — from young puppies to seniors who are currently 14 years old and still go hunting with us.
The dog recently diagnosed is just under 2 years old his name is Emmett. He has otherwise been very healthy, showing no prior signs or symptoms until the last couple of days. We get regular updates from Emmetts parents and when I say this dog receives the best care that is a vast understatement. His owners acted quickly and responsibly, and he has undergone all necessary diagnostic testing, including advanced imaging. All results, including the MRI, came back completely normal. Because no structural, metabolic, or identifiable cause could be found, the diagnosis is idiopathic epilepsy, which simply means that the underlying cause is unknown.
A brief note on idiopathic epilepsy: Idiopathic epilepsy is a diagnosis of exclusion, meaning it is given only after other potential causes such as brain abnormalities, tumors, infections, metabolic disorders, toxins, or trauma have been ruled out. Many dogs with idiopathic epilepsy otherwise live full, happy lives and can often be well-managed with appropriate veterinary care and, when needed, medication. Importantly, idiopathic epilepsy can occur sporadically, even in lines with no prior history, and does not automatically indicate a hereditary cause.
Regardless of the cause, this diagnosis is a significant setback for us both emotionally and as breeders. Out of an abundance of caution and in line with our ethics, we have made the decision to retire both the sire and the dam from our breeding program, in the event that there is any hereditary component involved — even though there is currently no evidence pointing definitively as to the cause of Emmetts seizures at this time.
We will be sharing screenshots of our conversations with his owners, as they provide additional context about how this situation came about and can answer many questions people might have. Emmetts owner has agreed to this and is willing to help educate people who may have questions. But please keep in mind this is a major obstacle they are dealing with and obviously Emmetts care is top priority at this time, so please post your questions below if you have any.
We have always taken great pride in the fact that through careful selection, comprehensive health and genetic testing, and providing high-quality care, our dogs have not experienced the common health issues often associated with Irish Setters, including allergies, chronic ear problems, food sensitivities, thyroid disorders, seizures, or epilepsy. Outside of this single, isolated diagnosis with Emmett, this remains true of our program.
While this is incredibly hard to share, we feel it is the right and responsible thing to do. Ethical breeding means being transparent not only when things go well, but also when unexpected challenges arise.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to us directly however we encourage you to use the comment section below to help others. We are always willing to have open, honest conversations. As long as everyone is respectful I will leave the comments open for people to share, talk, leave prayers for Emmett and ask questions.
Above all, please know that our commitment and dedication to this breed does not end when a puppy leaves our home. We are, and always will be, available to every family who has one of our dogs. Your babies were our babies first, and we still love and care deeply about each and every one of them 💕
Annie Scudder
Jonathan Parish
Down East Setters and Labs
