Episodes of exercise intolerance and collapse have been observed among Labrador Retrievers for many years, although the root cause was not always well understood. Dogs clinically affected by Exercise Induced Collapse (EIC) will often begin to exhibit leg weakness followed by a complete collapse after just 5 to 15 minutes of strenuous activity. The severity and duration of these spells can vary depending on the environment.
A genetic mutation that causes EIC has recently been identified, and it is estimated that at least 25% of all the Labrador Retrievers taking part in field trials today have at least one copy of the mutation. It is a recessive disorder; therefore carriers (those having 1 copy of mutation) will not show symptoms-however, if they are used for breeding, they will pass on the mutation 50% of the time. If a carrier-to-carrier mating occurs, it is expected that 25% of the offspring will be “EIC affected” (those having 2 copies of the mutation).
The DNA test is an accurate, convenient, and affordable tool to help breeders avoid producing EIC at risk offspring and significantly reduce the gene frequency in future generations.
The results confirm 1 of the 3 possible genotypes for the tested dog:
CLEAR (those having 2 copies of the normal allele and appear to be normal).
CARRIER (those having 1 copy of the normal allele and 1 copy of the mutation but appear to be normal).
AFFECTED (those having 2 copies of the mutation and will likely show clinical signs for EIC).
