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Exercise-Induced Collapse

Exercise-induced collapse (EIC) is an inherited neuromuscular disorder affecting breeds such as Aussiedoodle, Australian Cobberdog, Australian Labradoodle, Australian Shepherd, Border Collie, Bordoodle, Bouvier des Flandres, Boykin Spaniel, Cardigan Welsh Corgi, Carolina Dog, Chesapeake Bay Retriever, Clumber Spaniel, Cockapoo, Cocker Spaniel, Curly Coated Retriever, Deutsch-Drahthaar, English Cocker Spaniel, German Wirehaired Pointer, Golden Retriever, Goldendoodle, Lab/Golden Cross, Labradoodle, Labrador Retriever, Miniature American Shepherd, Miniature Australian Shepherd, Old English Sheepdog, Pembroke Welsh Corgi, Service/Assistance Lab/Golden Retriever cross, Service/Assistance Labrador Retriever, Sheepadoodle, Toy Australian Shepherd, UK Breed Council Labrador Retriever, Vizsla, and Wirehaired Vizsla, where affected dogs develop a wobbly, uncoordinated gait and sometimes full-body weakness after 5-20 minutes of strenuous exercise, while remaining mentally alert and typically recovering within 15-30 minutes.

Affected Genes: DNM1

Inheritance: Autosomal Recessive With Variable Expressivity

Variant(canFam6):
chr9:54477547: C>A

Breed: Aussiedoodle
Australian Cobberdog
Australian Labradoodle
Australian Shepherd
Border Collie
Bordoodle
Bouvier des Flandres
Boykin Spaniel
Cardigan Welsh Corgi
Carolina Dog
Chesapeake Bay Retriever
Clumber Spaniel
Cockapoo
Cocker Spaniel
Curly Coated Retriever
Deutsch-Drahthaar
English Cocker Spaniel
German Wirehaired Pointer
Golden Retriever
Goldendoodle
Lab/Golden Cross
Labradoodle
Labrador Retriever
Miniature American Shepherd
Miniature Australian Shepherd
Old English Sheepdog
Pembroke Welsh Corgi
Service/Assistance Lab/Golden Retriever cross
Service/Assistance Labrador Retriever
Sheepadoodle
Toy Australian Shepherd
UK Breed Council Labrador Retriever
Vizsla
Wirehaired Vizsla

General Information: Exercise-induced collapse (EIC) is an inherited neuromuscular disorder presenting as exercise intolerance in several dog breeds. Affected dogs, usually diagnosed before two years of age, appear normal during moderate activity but develop a wobbly, uncoordinated gait after 5-20 minutes of strenuous exercise. These episodes primarily affect the hind limbs, with dogs remaining mentally alert and pain-free. In severe cases, EIC can lead to full-body weakness, confusion, loss of consciousness, seizures, and rarely, death. Episodes typically last 5-10 minutes, with most dogs recovering within 15-30 minutes.

How to Read Your Dog's Test Results for this Genetic Variant:

Two Variants Detected: Dog Likely Affected

One Variant Detected: Dog Unlikely Affected

No Variants Detected: No Effect

Gene / Testing Information: Genetic testing of the DNM1 gene can identify carriers of exercise-induced collapse (EIC), an autosomal recessive disorder requiring two copies of the mutated gene for the disease to manifest. Carrier dogs typically do not show symptoms, but breeding two carriers can produce affected pups, with a 25% chance of the disease and a 50% chance of being a carrier. Reliable genetic testing is essential for responsible breeding practices to prevent affected litters. Because this mutation exhibits variable expressivity, genetic testing before breeding is crucial. To eliminate the mutation from breeding lines, it is advised not to breed known carriers together.

References:
Furrow E, Minor KM, Taylor SM, Mickelson JR, Patterson EE. Relationship between dynamin 1 mutation status and characteristics of recurrent episodes of exercise-induced collapse in Labrador Retrievers. J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2013 242(6):786-791.

Minor KM, Patterson EE, Keating MK, Gross SD, Ekenstedt KJ, Taylor SM, Mickelson JR. Presence and impact of the exercise-induced collapse associated DNM1 mutation in Labrador retrievers and other breeds. Vet J. 2011 189(2):214-219.

Patterson EE, Minor KM, Tchernatynskaia AV, Taylor SM, Shelton GD, Ekenstedt KJ, Mickelson JR. A canine DNM1 mutation is highly associated with the syndrome of exercise-induced collapse. Nat Genet. 2008 40(10):1235-1239.

Taylor SM, Shmon CL, Adams VJ, Mickelson JR, Patterson EN, Shelton GD. Evaluations of labrador retrievers with exercise-induced collapse, including response to a standardized strenuous exercise protocol. J Am Anim Hosp Assoc. 2009 45(1):3-13.

Taylor SM, Shmon CL, Shelton GD, Patterson EN, Minor K, Mickelson JR. Exercise-induced collapse of Labrador retrievers: survey results and preliminary investigation of heritability. J Am Anim Hosp Assoc. 2008 44(6):295-301.