Lagotto Romagnolos are scent‑driven working dogs that can be intensely nose‑down in new places; strong odors (treats, other pets, disinfectants) may heighten sniffing, pulling, or digging/pawing at floors. They are typically affectionate and trainable but may be alert or wary with unfamiliar people/noises, which can prompt watchful barking in a busy lobby. Their dense curly coat and hairy ear canals can trap debris/mats, so some dogs are head/ear‑sensitive—especially after recent grooming or ear work—making gentle, slow approach preferred. Many dislike being separated from their person during check‑in; keeping the owner in view and moving to a quieter, lower‑odor space often reduces stress. If a Lagotto shows continuous panic, severe head‑shaking/crying, sudden disorientation, or any breathing difficulty, alert the medical team immediately.
Front desk script: This breed loves to sniff and may get vocal or paw/dig when excited—would you prefer a quieter room away from heavy odors or foot traffic? Has your Lagotto had recent grooming or ear cleaning? Some are sensitive to head/ear handling, so we’ll approach slowly and keep you in view. If you notice severe head‑shaking, nonstop panic, sudden confusion, or trouble breathing at any point, please tell us right away so we can bring a clinician in immediately.
Lagotto Romagnolos are generally healthy but have notable breed-linked risks for two neurologic conditions: benign familial juvenile epilepsy (BFJE), which causes puppy-onset focal seizures around 5–9 weeks that typically remit by about 4 months (LGI2 variant), and Lagotto storage disease (LSD), a progressive neurodegenerative disorder with ataxia, abnormal eye movements, and behavior changes (ATG4D variant). Hereditary eye conditions documented in the breed include cataract, corneal endothelial dystrophy, retinal dysplasia, lens instability, and progressive retinal atrophy (PRA). Orthopedic concerns monitored by the breed club include hip dysplasia and patellar luxation. Front-desk escalation: if owners report any seizure activity, sudden loss of balance/coordination, or rapid vision changes/pain, advise urgent same-day care or immediate ER if an event is ongoing.
Front desk script: Thanks for letting us know—this breed can be predisposed to puppy-onset seizures (that often remit) and a separate progressive neurologic disease, plus some inherited eye and orthopedic issues. If your dog is currently seizing, a seizure lasts more than 5 minutes, or there are multiple seizures in 24 hours, please proceed to the nearest emergency clinic now. For new stumbling/imbalance, sudden behavior change, or rapid vision changes, we recommend a same-day appointment; we’ll note the breed risk in the chart. Would you like me to arrange the first available visit today?
Lagotto Romagnolos are medium, curly‑coated sporting dogs that are affectionate, very trainable, and need daily exercise plus mental enrichment (they love nose‑work). They shed little but require regular combing and professional grooming every few weeks; check the coat and ears after outdoor play for debris. When buying or advising new owners, ask for OFA/CHIC health testing documentation: hips, patellas, annual eye exam, and DNA tests for benign familial juvenile epilepsy (BFJE) and Lagotto Storage Disease (LSD). Seek emergency care now for trouble breathing, collapse, seizures lasting over ~5 minutes or more than one in 24 hours, a tight swollen belly with repeated unproductive retching, or inability to urinate.
Front desk script: They’re smart, low‑shedding dogs that need daily activity and regular professional grooming. For breeders or new‑puppy questions, we recommend confirming OFA/CHIC results for hips, patellas, annual eyes, and DNA tests for BFJE and LSD. If an owner reports breathing difficulty, collapse, prolonged/repeated seizures, a swollen tight abdomen with repeated retching, or no urine output, advise them this is an emergency and to go to the nearest ER immediately.
Front desk commonly fields Lagotto Romagnolo calls for: ear irritation with head-shaking or odor after swims or grooming (hairy, moisture-trapping ears); coat/skin issues from their tight, continuously growing curls—matting, burrs/debris, and post-groom sensitivity; overgrown facial hair obscuring eyes; and activity-related limping or stiffness in this active, medium breed (owners also schedule breed-recommended screening visits for hips/patellas, annual eye exams, and DNA tests). Book same-day for painful ears, persistent head-shaking, or new lameness; advise immediate emergency care for seizures, collapse, or sudden severe disorientation/head tilt.
Front desk script: Thanks for calling about your Lagotto—this breed often comes in for ear discomfort after water exposure or grooming, coat matting/skin irritation, and occasional limping after play. If you’re seeing painful ears, nonstop head-shaking, or a new limp, we recommend a same-day appointment; if there are seizures, collapse, or sudden severe disorientation/head tilt, please go to the nearest emergency hospital now. We can also schedule breed-specific health screenings (hips/patella, ophthalmology exam, and DNA tests) if that’s what you need. How soon can you come in today?
Lagotto Romagnolos have a dense, curly, water‑resistant coat that sheds very little but grows continuously and can felt/mat quickly; plan for routine professional grooming to maintain a natural “rustic” curl (typically kept about 1–1.5 inches) and a simple monthly bath, and use groomers familiar with the breed’s style. Between grooms, quick comb checks in high‑risk areas (behind ears, armpits, tail, collar line) help prevent mats; ear canals can accumulate hair/wax and may need professional management. Watch for red flags—tight/painful mats with skin sores or foul odor, or ear odor/discharge, redness, swelling, head‑shaking or head‑tilt—and escalate same day for a veterinary exam. Recurrent matting or repeated ear/skin issues warrant non‑urgent dermatology referral and a standing grooming schedule.
Front desk script: This breed’s coat doesn’t shed much but grows continuously and can mat fast. Let’s set a recurring grooming appointment (often every 4–8 weeks) with a groomer experienced in the Lagotto’s rustic coat; we can share referrals. If you notice painful tight mats or any ear odor/discharge, redness, swelling, or head‑tilt, this can’t wait—we recommend a same‑day veterinary exam. For repeated skin or ear problems, we can also book a dermatology consult.
For Lagotto Romagnolo calls, confirm age and presenting signs up front and route quickly: puppies under ~4 months with any seizure history should be offered a same-day exam (capture timing, duration, number of events, video if available); if the dog is actively seizing, had a seizure >5 minutes, clusters (>1 in 24 hours), or recurrent vomiting/trauma, instruct the caller to go to the nearest emergency hospital now. Young to adult Lagotti with new ataxia, nystagmus, or behavior change (breed has documented juvenile epilepsy and a progressive vacuolar storage/autophagy disorder) should be scheduled for a prompt doctor exam (same-week or sooner based on severity) and consider neurologic referral—escalate to urgent/emergency if rapid progression, collapse, or disorientation is reported. Because this breed is also screened for hyperuricosuria, any straining to urinate, inability to pass urine, or blood in urine warrants same-day evaluation; if the pet cannot urinate, direct to emergency immediately. Recurrent ear discomfort, head-shaking, or painful ears (hairy, curl-coated ear canals) should be booked as a sick-visit within 48–72 hours, sooner if head tilt or balance issues are noted. Record any known genetic testing status (BFJE/LSD/HUU) in the chart and bring prior records/videos to the visit. ([pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17552452/?utm_source=openai))
Front desk script: Thanks for calling about your Lagotto Romagnolo—let me get the age and what you’re noticing so I can route you appropriately. If your dog is seizing now, had a seizure lasting over 5 minutes, more than one in 24 hours, or can’t pass urine, please proceed to the nearest emergency hospital immediately while I alert our team. Otherwise, I can reserve our next same-day appointment and note any videos or prior test results to bring. Does that plan work for you?
Puppy (8 weeks–6 months): schedule wellness/vaccine/parasite visits every 3–4 weeks until 16–20 weeks; front desk should ask about any tremors, unsteady gait, or seizures seen around 5–13 weeks (Lagotto puppies can have a benign juvenile epilepsy), plus socialization and an early grooming plan for the dense, curly coat. Adult (6 months–~8–10 years): book wellness at least annually (many clinics prefer every 6–12 months), confirm spay/neuter status, activity level, and ear/skin checks after swimming; owners may ask about breed-related screening history (hips/patellas/eyes; BFJE/LSD DNA noted on breeder paperwork). Senior (~8–10+ years): schedule wellness every 6 months with age-appropriate screening per clinic policy; common questions shift to slowing down, stiffness, new lumps, vision/hearing or behavior changes, and adapting grooming as mobility declines. Escalate immediately if the pet is actively seizing, collapses, has a tight/swollen abdomen with retching, or repeated vomiting/diarrhea with lethargy—direct to the nearest emergency hospital now; if a first-time seizure has resolved and the pet is stable, arrange a same-day appointment and flag the chart.
Front desk script: For Lagotto puppies, we book checkups every 3–4 weeks until 16–20 weeks; please tell us if you’ve noticed tremors or seizures between 5–13 weeks. As adults we see them at least yearly (many do 6‑month check‑ins), and seniors every 6 months with screening tailored by the doctor. If your dog is actively seizing, has collapse, or a swollen/tight belly with retching, please go to the nearest emergency hospital now; if a seizure has stopped and your dog is stable, we’ll book a same‑day visit.
For Lagotto Romagnolo callers, set clear expectations around two inherited neurologic conditions and ear-care sensitivities: ask whether the dog is a puppy under 4 months and if any tremors/seizure-like episodes have occurred (Lagotto juvenile epilepsy often starts at 5–9 weeks and remits by ~3–4 months); confirm whether breeder DNA results for Benign Familial Juvenile Epilepsy (LGI2) and Lagotto Storage Disease (ATG4D) are available and request owners bring copies; flag progressive neurologic changes (stumbling/ataxia, head tilt, abnormal eye movements, new behavior changes) for prompt scheduling; and explain that this curly, water-loving breed can be predisposed to ear issues due to hair and moisture, so the doctor will advise clinic-appropriate ear-care and grooming plans rather than at‑home plucking.
Front desk script: Thank you for calling about your Lagotto. If your dog is actively seizing now, please go to the nearest emergency hospital immediately; if you’re noticing new wobbliness, head tilt, or painful, foul‑smelling ears, we’d like to see you today. For puppies under 4 months, brief tremors or stiffness can occur in this breed—please bring any videos and any breeder DNA test results for juvenile epilepsy or storage disease so the doctor can review them. We’ll schedule a visit to discuss the best ear-care and grooming approach for your dog and answer your questions.
For Lagotto Romagnolos, verify breeder health documents at intake and attach DNA results for Benign Familial Juvenile Epilepsy (LGI2) and Lagotto Storage Disease (ATG4D); note CHIC items (hips, patellas, eyes). Set reminders for: puppy wellness with neuro check-ins through 4 months (BFJE age window), annual ophthalmology screening (CAER; certification valid 12 months), and hip/patella screening per DVM plan (final OFA hips at ≥24 months; prelims allowed earlier). Escalate immediately if an owner reports a seizure/tremors in a puppy, sudden wobbliness/ataxia, rapid eye movements (nystagmus), or marked behavior change—book an emergency exam now and direct to ER if after hours.
Front desk script: Because Lagotti can carry two breed‑specific neurologic conditions (juvenile epilepsy in puppies and Lagotto Storage Disease), we keep any DNA/health certificates on file—may I add yours today? I can also set reminders for an annual eye screening and schedule hip/patella checks per the doctor’s plan. If you ever see a seizure, sudden loss of balance, unusual rapid eye movements, or a big behavior change, please come in immediately; if we’re closed, go to the nearest emergency hospital.
Smart, people‑oriented working dogs that thrive on mental/physical activity; without early socialization they can be reserved, and when bored may dig or vocalize. For handling, keep lobby time brief, allow sniffing, and use calm, reward‑based introductions—these dogs respond well to positive reinforcement. Coat can mat easily, so note grooming status and any touch sensitivity around feet/ears. What matters most for this breed: confirm any history of neurologic signs in young dogs and whether breeder health testing was done—parent club guidance prioritizes DNA tests for Benign Familial Juvenile Epilepsy (BFJE) and Lagotto Storage Disease (LSD), plus hips, patellas, and eyes. If the owner reports seizures, sudden loss of balance, abnormal eye movements, or abrupt behavior changes, escalate immediately.
Front desk script: “For Lagotti we use a calm, treat‑based approach and move them to a quiet room—does your dog need a moment to warm up or sniff first?” “Has your dog had any coordination issues, recent behavior changes, or seizures (especially under 4 years old)?” If yes: “This sounds like an emergency—please come in now or go to the nearest ER; we’ll alert the medical team.” “Do you have breeder health testing records (BFJE/LSD DNA, hips, patellas, and eye exams) we can add to the chart today?”
Shelter/partner note for Lagotto Romagnolo: document any history of puppyhood tremors or brief seizures (benign familial juvenile epilepsy typically begins around 6–8 weeks and remits by ~4 months) and ask for available DNA results for BFJE and Lagotto Storage Disease (ATG4D) before placement; note that ATG4D‑associated disease can present later with progressive ataxia, occasional nystagmus, and behavior change. For intake, request prior orthopedic (hips/patellas) and annual ACVO/CAER eye exam records when available. Advise adopters to call same day for new wobbliness, circling, vision change, or behavior changes. If a seizure lasts over 5 minutes or there are repeated seizures within 24 hours, direct them to an emergency hospital immediately.
Front desk script: For this breed, do you have any DNA results for juvenile epilepsy (BFJE) or Lagotto Storage Disease, and any hip or eye clearances we can scan into the record? If you ever see a seizure lasting more than 5 minutes or more than one seizure in a day, please go straight to the nearest emergency clinic. For new wobbliness, circling, vision changes, or behavior changes, call us the same day so we can advise next steps.
Lagotto Romagnolos are bright, scent‑driven working dogs that are typically affectionate and highly trainable but can be alert/vocal and easily stimulated in busy, odor‑rich clinics; some may dig, pace, or focus intensely on smells if under‑engaged. For check‑in and waiting room flow: ask for a short, non‑retractable leash, confirm permission to use high‑value treats, and offer car/curbside check‑in or direct‑to‑room placement away from canine traffic. For handoff: allow a slow, side‑approach, let them sniff first, use a treat trail into the room/scale, and avoid overhead restraint; owner presence during the transition can help. Escalate immediately if you observe escalating fear/anxiety/stress (stiff body, tucked tail, persistent trembling/panting, hard stare, growl/snap/lunge): notify the medical team, move to a quiet room, and pause all nonessential handling for safety.
Front desk script: Hi! Lagotti are smart, scent‑focused dogs and can get restless in busy spaces—would you like to check in from your car or go straight to a quiet room when available? Is it okay if we offer high‑value treats to make the visit smoother, and please keep [Name] on a short leash with space from other pets. If you notice [Name] getting stressed (shaking, barking, trying to pull away), let us know right away so we can adjust. We’ll aim for a calm, low‑key handoff and you’re welcome to stay with [Name] during check‑in if permitted.
For Lagotto Romagnolo, immediately escalate if you hear or see breathing distress (open‑mouth/effortful breathing, blue/gray gums, collapse), any active seizure or first‑time seizure—especially if a seizure lasts over 5 minutes or there are multiple in 24 hours (breed has juvenile epilepsy in puppies), unproductive retching with a tight/distended abdomen (possible GDV), suspected toxin ingestion (e.g., grapes/raisins, xylitol, human meds, rodenticide, chocolate), inability to urinate/straining, sudden collapse/weakness, pale gums, severe bleeding/trauma, or heat‑related collapse. These signs require same‑day to immediate ER transfer—do not delay for routine scheduling.
Front desk script: Based on what you’re describing, this could be an emergency and we need to see your dog right now—please proceed to the nearest emergency hospital and call us from the car so we can alert the team. If a seizure is ongoing or lasted over five minutes, or there have been multiple seizures today, go to the ER immediately. If a toxin may have been eaten, bring any packaging and call ASPCA Poison Control at 888-426-4435 while en route. If you notice unproductive retching with a firm, swollen belly or blue/gray gums, treat this as life‑threatening and come in now.