The summer sunshine brings with it the urge to get outside and be active with your retriever. However, Lab owners must be cautious of the health risks that can rise from a Lab being physically overworked.  

Exercise Induced Collapse (EIC), a syndrome specifically common in active Labrador retrievers, is caused by strenuous physical activity and/or excitement. This health problem can occur in young, athletic dogs involved in field trials or hunting related activities, but also during normal exercise. Symptoms such as loss of coordination, balance, and limb control may appear after 15 minutes into activity, and disappear 20 minutes or so later.

Dr. Ben Character, author of “The Vet’s Office” (December/January 2005), states, “There are many variations seen, and because the problem is in some way caused by exercise or the anticipation of exercise, it is difficult for veterinarians to have the opportunity to examine affected dogs during an episode.”

But Dr. Jim Mickelson, University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine, has recently completed research and determined a genetic cause of EIC. He has also constructed a test used to preemptively pinpoint conditions of this syndrome in Labs.

“We ended up finding that a gene that produces a protein that contributes to synaptic transmission between nerves and the nervous system had a mutation in the dogs that were susceptible to collapse,” said Dr. Mickelson. This disrupts nerve communication to the muscles, ultimately to a collapse.

“One of the things we want to do, and hopefully this podcast can help, is to further educate Labrador retriever owners about what this genetic test for… exercise induced collapse susceptibility actually can and can’t do,” stated Dr. Mickelson.

Listen to this podcast to hear more details.

As Lab owners, be sure to keep an eye on your dogs this summer for any signs of EIC, and if you do witness any of these symptoms, be sure to cease activity immediately and contact your breeder.

Podcast by American Kennel Club Canine Health Foundation, Inc. For a first person account of this syndrome, order the April/May 2009 issue of The Retriever Journal for the article “Living with EIC: The Overlooked Disease” by Red Wilkinson.