Dog hereditary diseases

Description
Exercise induced collapse (EIC) is an inherited condition common in the Labrador Retriever breed. Also found in the Chesapeake Bay Retriever, Curly Retriever, Boykin Spaniel, Pembroke Welsh Corgi, Bobtail, Drathhaar, Bouvier of Flanders.

For the first time, exercise-induced collapse syndrome was described in the literature in 1993. For a long time, veterinarians did not consider EIC as a specific disease, suggesting that the symptoms of collapse could be caused by various reasons, for example, low blood sugar levels, intolerance to high fever, cardiac arrhythmias or metabolic myopathy. EIC is now recognized as a syndrome. The affected animal tolerates moderate exercise normally, but as early as 5-15 minutes of energy-intensive exercise can lead to EIC symptoms.

Symptoms
Altered gait: the dog begins to sway, sink, and then loses control over the hind limbs, dragging them along. In some cases, all four legs are removed. There are even situations when the dog completely loses the ability to move independently. While maintaining the load, the symptoms show a progressive nature, lethal outcomes are described.

The first signs of the disease appear, as a rule, at the age of 5 months to three years. The dog does not appear to be in pain during or after the collapse, and is generally preoccupied with continuing to engage in the activity. After 10 to 30 minutes of rest, the normal state returns. Depending on the temperament and lifestyle of the animal, the disease can manifest itself or not. The most common EIC affects the highly excitable, active, well-muscled Labrador Retrievers.

Diagnostics
Characteristic changes in the behavior and physiology of the dog.