Affects: Dogs
Exercise-induced collapse (EIC) is a genetic disorder that causes dogs of certain breeds to collapse after a period of intense exercise. The breeds affected are primarily sporting dogs (retrievers, spaniels).
Symptoms And Diagnosis: During collapse the dog’s hind legs become weak until they are no longer able to support the dog’s weight. In the most extreme cases the dog’s front legs also go weak and the dog collapses, its leg muscles loose. [3] The episode generally lasts no more than 15 minutes over which time the dog returns to normal. The dog does not appear to be in pain during the collapse.
Physiological systems (nervous system, cardiovascular and musculoskeletal systems) all appear normal in these dogs, as is a blood analysis both apart from and during an episode of collapse. Although tests have revealed elevated body temperature during collapse (average 107.1F (41.7C), many up to 108F (42.2C)), these temperatures are no different to those in normal dogs who have undertaken the same level of exercise.