Exercise-Induced Collapse in Dogs

Exercise-Induced Collapse (EIC) in dogs is a medical condition causing dogs to collapse during strenuous activity. It is characterized by muscle weakness, lack of coordination, and life-threatening collapse after intense exercise in otherwise healthy dogs.

What is Exercise-Induced Collapse in Dogs?

Exercise-induced collapse is an inherited neuromuscular disease. From a scientific perspective, the disease is caused by a mutation in the dynamin 1 (DNM1) gene, which is instrumental in nerve signal transmission.

It is inherited as an autosomal recessive trait, meaning the causative mutation must be inherited from both parents for the puppy to be affected.

Carriers of EIC appear normal and have normal exercise tolerance, but they will pass the causative genetic mutation on to half of their puppies.

What are the Symptoms of Exercise-Induced Collapse in Dogs?

On average, dogs with EIC start showing signs of collapse by about a year of age. Affected dogs will tolerate mild to moderate activity but will display signs of EIC after 5-20 minutes of strenuous exercise.

An affected dog will start having a wobbly gait and wide stance in the hind legs. This will progress until the hind legs can no longer support the weight of the dog.

Sometimes dogs will try to keep running by dragging their legs behind them but eventually the condition will end up in a full collapse. Most dogs will stay conscious and alert, and the condition does not appear to be painful.

The severity of EIC varies. EIC episodes last from 5-25 minutes with a gradual return to normal with no apparent residual weakness or stiffness. Not all affected dogs will collapse every time after exercise. A high environmental temperature and high excitement level seem to contribute to the symptoms.

Which Breeds are Affected by Exercise-Induced Collapse?

Breeds affected by EIC are mainly from the sporting group, primarily Labrador Retrievers. Exercise-Induced Collapse in Labradors is common. Research published by the College of Veterinary Medicine found 30% – 40% Labradors are carriers, and 1% to 3% are affected and at a high risk of collapse.

Other breeds determined to carry the DNM1 mutation include:

• American Cocker Spaniel
• Australian Labradoodles
• Bouvier des Flanders
• Boykin Spaniel
• Chesapeake Bay Retriever
• Clumber Spaniel
• Cockapoo
• Curly-Coated Retriever
• English Cocker Spaniel
• German Wirehaired Pointer
• Labradoodle
• Old English Sheepdog
• Pembroke Welsh Corgi
• Vizsla

How is Exercise-Induced Collapse Diagnosed?

If you suspect your dog is showing signs of weakness or collapse during or following exercise, it’s imperative you seek veterinary care. Most dogs are normal between collapsing episodes, and there may be no abnormalities detected on examination. Your veterinarian will run tests and examine your dog to rule out other causes of exercise intolerance and collapse, such as metabolic, cardiac, and neurological disorders.

A video recording of your dog’s collapsing episodes can be very helpful to your vet to observe clinical features of the collapse. Ultimately, a genetic test is needed to definitely diagnose exercise-induced collapse.

There are other conditions that can cause a dog to become weak and collapse, such as heatstroke and some types of seizures. Anytime your dog collapses with an unknown cause, it’s crucial to seek veterinary treatment immediately to determine the cause and get proper treatment.

Genetic Testing for Exercise-Induced Collapse

A genetic DNA test for the dynamin-1 EIC mutation can determine if your dog has inherited this disease. DNA testing may be administered by your veterinarian, but you can also do this test at home using a simple swab from the inside of your dog’s cheek.

Several dog DNA test kits can identify the EIC mutation, including:

• Embark
• Wisdom Panel
• EasyDNA

Learn more about canine DNA testing here: What Can a Dog DNA Test Tell You About Your Dog?

Treatment for Exercise-Induced Collapse

Unfortunately, there is no cure or medication for EIC. The only treatment involves prevention, which means if your dog is diagnosed with EIC he or she must avoid strenuous exercise, particularly activities in which your dog will go into a high-drive mode or become over-excited.

Dogs with EIC can lead happy, long lives with appropriate exercise management. It’s essential to determine activities and specific EIC episode triggers that you should avoid with your pup. Remember, mild to moderate exercise is usually fine for dogs with EIC.

What Should You Do If Your Dog Collapses?

If you notice any gait abnormalities when your dog is exercising, stop right away. Though most dogs typically recover from EIC episodes, collapse can sometimes be fatal.

Follow these steps if your dog collapses:

• Stop the activity, and move your dog to a calm, cool location
• Make sure your dog’s breathing is unobstructed
• Offer water or ice by mouth, and cool your dog by wetting them down

Even if you follow the above steps, signs can continue for 3-5 minutes. But most dogs fully recover in 5-45 minutes.

Has your dog been diagnosed with exercise-induced collapse? How was your dog diagnosed? Please share your experience with the rest of the Canine Campus community by leaving a comment below…