How do they test a dog for exercise induced collapse?
EIC is an autosomal recessive inherited trait, meaning that to be affected (and susceptible to collapse) a dog must have two copies of the mutant gene – one inherited from each parent. DNA testing for the DNM1 mutation can be performed on cheek swabs, blood, or puppy dewclaws.
How do you know if your dog has EIC?
DNA testing is the only way to know for certain whether a dog has EIC. The research laboratory has tested 100-400 samples from each of the common retriever breeds – they have tested Golden Retrievers, Flat-Coated Retrievers, Chesapeake Bay Retrievers, Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers and Curly Coated Retrievers.
How common is EIC in labs?
Thirty percent of all tested Labrador Retrievers carry the EIC gene. This is not a problem unless a breeder unknowingly breeds one carrier to another carrier and ends up with affected Labrador Retriever puppies. It can take up to 5 years for symptoms to appear, so it is important that breeders test for this gene.
What is EIC testing in dogs?
Phenotype: Exercise-induced collapse (EIC) is characterized by muscle weakness, lack of coordination, and life-threatening collapse after intense exercise in otherwise apparently healthy dogs. Affected dogs tolerate mild to moderate activity but will display signs of EIC after 5-20 minutes of strenuous exercise.
How is exercise induced collapse treated?
The only treatment for Exercise Induced Collapse revolves around avoiding extreme exercise, particularly activities that most likely trigger the dog to enter high-drive mode. Dogs must be “retired” to the life of a quiet, indoor house-pet.
Why does my dog act drunk after exercise?
The term for this uncoordinated gait is “ataxia,” and the type of ataxia that causes dogs to walk like they are drunk is called a “vestibular ataxia.” The vestibular system, or balance system, in dogs is composed of two parts: the peripheral portion, or the inner and middle ear, and the central portion, or the parts of …
Is EIC fatal in dogs?
Although most dogs recover quickly, within 30 minutes, severe episodes of EIC can be fatal. Dogs affected by the condition often experience numerous recurrences, although their gait and behavior return to normal between episodes.
Why is my dog walking sideways all of a sudden?
Some reasons dogs may alter their gait and start walking sideways: Hip dysplasia, a malformation of the hip ball and socket joint. Vestibular Disease, a sudden, non-progressive disturbance of balance that commonly impacts older dogs (more info here) Injury or pain.
How do I find out my EIC lab?
When Do EIC Attacks Occur? A dog carrying the EIC gene, but only from one parent, will appear normal. The only way to tell whether the dog is carrying the gene is via the Exercise Induced Collapse DNA Test. A dog carrying the gene from both parents may appear normal most of the time.
What do contractions look like with a dog?
During the first stage of labor, your dog will begin to experience uterine contractions. She may also start pacing or digging. Many dogs will pant or shake. Some dogs even vomit.
What does exercise intolerance mean in dogs?
Reduced ability to exercise, weakness, fatigue, and lethargy can sometimes develop in dogs and cats with heart disease. Often, reduced exercise ability is incorrectly attributed to old age or arthritis, when the heart is really the cause.
Is EIC fatal?
Exercise-Induced Collapse (EIC) is a medical condition that occurs in a significant proportion of Labrador Retrievers. Although most dogs recover quickly, within 30 minutes, severe episodes of EIC can be fatal.
Is there an exercise induced collapse syndrome in Labrador Retrievers?
A syndrome of exercise intolerance and collapse (EIC) is being observed with increasing frequency in young adult Labrador Retrievers. It has also been observed in Chesapeake Bay retrievers and curly-coated retrievers. Affected dogs have been found in field-trial, hunt test, conformation, pet, and service lines.
Is there a genetic test for exercise induced collapse?
Animal Genetics offers DNA testing for exercise-induced collapse (EIC). The genetic test verifies the presence of the recessive EIC Gene and presents results as one of the following: The dog carries two copies of the mutant gene and is homozygous for EIC.
Can a Labrador Retriever do 20 minutes of exercise?
Here we summarize much of what we have learned about the genetic disorder of Exercise-Induced Collapse in Labrador Retrievers and other affected breeds. Affected dogs can tolerate mild to moderate exercise, but 5 to 20 minutes of strenuous exercise with extreme excitement induces weakness and then collapse.
How does exercise induced collapse ( EIC ) affect dogs?
The severity of EIC varies, some affected dogs continue to run while dragging their hind legs while others have progression of weakness from rear to forelimbs resulting in a total inability to move.