EIC in dogs can affect dogs in different ways. Some dogs will continue to run, but drag their hind legs. Others may show a gradual weakness that progresses from the back to the front limbs.
EIC events often result in a dramatic increase in body temperature. However, dogs that are not affected also show elevated temperatures when exercising under similar conditions.
Keep reading to find out more!
How Do I Describe EIC In Dogs?
Exercise-induced collapsing (EIC) affects the nervous system and is an autosomal recessive disorder. This means that both parents must inherit the mutation that causes it in order to produce a puppy with this condition.
The carriers of EIC may appear normal, and they may have a normal tolerance to exercise. However, half of the puppies that they produce will carry the genetic mutation.
Most of the time, dogs with EIC appear normal and neither their owners nor veterinarians can tell that anything is wrong.
The dogs affected by this condition do not have any problems with exercise. This collapse only occurs with extremely strenuous exercises such as retrieving and participating in trials.
The collapse is more likely to occur if the exercise includes a lot of excitement. Not all dogs who have the disorder experience an episode every time they exercise.
The condition seems to be more common in warmer temperatures. Dogs with EIC can live normal lives if they are not over-exercised.
However, they may experience collapses when they engage in activities they find exciting, stressful or thrilling, particularly in hot weather.
EIC is caused due to a mutation of the dynamin1 gene. (DNM1c.767G>T). The disease is autosomal-recessive, meaning that both men and women are equally affected.
Two copies of the mutation must be present to cause it. EIC is not present in dogs with a normal gene and a mutation.
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What are the Species of Dogs Affected By EIC In Dogs?
- Australian Cobberdog
- Australian Labradoodle
- Bouvier des Flandres
- Boykin Spaniel
- Cardigan Welsh Corgi
- Chesapeake Bay Retriever
- Cockapoo
- Cocker Spaniel
- Clumber Spaniel
- Curly Coated Retriever
- Deutsch-Drahthaar
- English Cocker Spaniel
- German Wirehaired Pointer
- Labrador crosses
- Labradoodle
- Labrador Retriever
- Old English Sheepdog
- Pembroke Welsh Corgi
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What are the Symptoms of EIC In Dogs?
- During the collapse of the dog, its hind legs weaken until they can no longer support the weight. In extreme cases, the front legs of the dog also become weak, and the dog collapses with its leg muscles loose.
- The dog will return to normal after 15 minutes.
- The dog doesn’t appear to be in any pain when it collapses.
- The blood test, both before and after the collapse, shows that all of these systems are normal.
- The temperatures of dogs that have exercised to the same level are not different from those found in normal dogs.
How Do I Treat EIC In Dogs?
- The best way to treat this condition is to avoid activities known as triggers and those that require intense exercise combined with high levels of excitement, particularly in hot weather.
- Some d-EIC-affected male dogs showed improvement after neutering, with improved endurance and the ability to exercise intensely without collapsing.
- Phenobarbital may have shown similar results in early evaluations of dogs with EIC in dogs.
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Conclusion
EIC in dogs lasts between 5 and 25 minutes, with a gradual return back to normal. There is no visible residual stiffness or weakness.
Dogs with EIC can show symptoms as young as five months old when they begin to undergo more intense training and activities. With proper management, dogs with EIC are able to lead productive and full lives.
Owners of affected pets should become familiar with the type of activities appropriate for their dog as well as triggers that cause EIC episodes.
The testing for EIC helps clinicians diagnose EIC, and breeders can identify carriers in breeding stock so that they don’t produce affected dogs.
It is expected that 25% of the puppies affected by carriers will be born from matings between carriers. Thank you for reading!
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