Countrylanes Texan Dolly inherited both copies of the variant we tested for Exercise-Induced Collapse, EIC
Dolly is at increased risk for EIC
Dolly has two copies of a variant in the DNM1 gene and is at risk for developing EIC. Please note that this variant is known to have incomplete penetrance; that is, a number of dogs who carry two copies of this variant do not exhibit signs of the disease, suggesting that other genetic and environmental factors are required for animals to display signs of EIC. Please consult your veterinarian to discuss further diagnostics, monitoring, and care for Dolly.
This condition affects how nerve cells send signals during intense activity. When signaling is disrupted, dogs may develop weakness or collapse during exercise, though they usually recover with rest.
Signs develop in juvenile dogs, typically before 3 years of age.
This muscle disorder can cause episodes of muscle weakness and sometimes collapse. After recovering, most dogs are perfectly normal and eager to get back to work. While most dogs appear dazed or confused after an episode, most return to normal quickly.
Genetic testing, clinical signs, and muscle biopsy can be used to diagnose this disorder.
Dogs with this condition are otherwise normal and healthy, though some severely affected dogs have died during an episode. The factors determining the severity of an episode on a given day or in a given dog is unknown.
- Talk to your vet about your dog’s EIC result so you can plan safe activity levels and monitoring.
- Avoid intense or prolonged exercise, especially in hot or humid weather, and stop activity immediately if your dog shows signs of weakness or wobbling.
- Keep your dog cool and hydrated, and focus on short, moderate exercise sessions that don’t lead to overexertion.
- With careful management and awareness of your dog’s limits, most dogs with EIC can live active, happy lives.