Exercise Induced Collapse (EIC)

Exercise Induced Collapse (EIC)

Exercise Induced Collapse, or EIC for short, is a hereditary condition in which the dog weakens or collapses during moments of intense exertion.

Symptoms

Dogs that suffer from EIC appear completely normal during calm moments, just like any other dog. There is nothing noticeable about them. When they are exposed to intense exertion — such as enthusiastic play, retrieving, field work, or hunting — they weaken and may ‘collapse’. This explains the name Exercise Induced Collapse, or collapsing due to exertion. This collapse usually occurs after about 5 to 20 minutes of active movement. The amount and type of activity needed varies from dog to dog. High ambient temperatures also play a role.

A typical picture of dogs during an exercise-induced collapse includes an elevated body temperature, reduced coordination of the hind legs (wobbling), and weakness in the hind legs, which can progress to complete collapse. Sometimes the front legs are also affected. Some dogs appear slightly dazed during a collapse, but they are fully conscious — unlike during an epileptic seizure. Fortunately, most dogs recover fully and spontaneously after 15 to 30 minutes of rest. Unfortunately, there have also been dogs reported that did not survive a collapse.

83% of Labradors that suffer from EIC have their first collapse before the age of 4. Owners of dogs with EIC will need to consider the types of activities their dog can engage in. Intense activities are not recommended, but most dogs can still participate in less intense forms of exercise.

How does Exercise Induced Collapse occur?

What exactly happens in the dog’s body during a collapse is unknown. The triggers that cause a collapse vary per dog and per moment. What we do know is that EIC is a hereditary condition caused by a mutation on the DNM1 gene. This mutation is autosomal recessive, which means that only affected dogs (with two defective genes) show the disease.

Carriers (with one defective gene and one normal gene) do not become ill from EIC but can pass on the defective gene to their offspring. EIC occurs in Labrador Retrievers, but also in other breeds such as the Chesapeake Bay Retriever, Curly-Coated Retriever, Boykin Spaniels, Pembroke Welsh Corgis, and breeds in which these breeds has been crossbred.

My dog is affected by or a carrier of EIC, what to do?

Exercise Induced Collapse is an unpleasant condition that greatly affects the life of the dog and its owner(s). Fortunately, with the help of DNA testing, it is possible to prevent new puppies from being born with EIC. Since EIC is an autosomal recessive disorder, this can be done by breeding with at least one dog free of EIC. In some populations (for example the Labrador Retriever population in Western Europe), the amount of carriers of EIC is relatively high. Although it may seem appealing not to breed with carriers of EIC, this is not advisable in these populations. Doing so would exclude too many dogs from the breeding program, while it is important to keep the gene pool as large as possible to breed healthy dogs.

Relevant tests

• H672
• H805