Exercise Induced Collapse?
 

I normally frequent another forum, but have done some spoting here previously as firsttimeelkhunter. I would appriciate any information you all might have on this condition. Thanks, Ryan

This is what I posted on the forum I regularly frequent:
My dog has been tentatively diagnosed with exercise induced collapse (EIC). She will begin to get wobbly in the hind legs and then she acts like she is drunk. She can't stand or walk. If she was human, I'd say she was having a stroke. I put her in a tub of cold water and force feed her sugar water with a syringe, after 10-15 minutes, she comes around and is ready to go. This has happened three times. The last just now. It took almost 20 minutes for her to come around this time. I have not found much on it on the net. The vets around here don't really know a whole lot about it and I am wondering if anyone here does?
She is just over two years old and had a litter of pups with out a problem. She is a good hunter, not great, but is good. I want her for breeding, but am concerned about this condition. Any help would be great!
There is one researcher that keeps coming up on Google. Can't really find anything else on the net.

Thanks, Ryan

RE: Exercise Induced Collapse?
 

If you've done a GOOGLE search wioth the words"exercise induced collapse", then you know as much as anyone else here. The one true expert in EIC is Dr. Susan Taylor (U of Sask). She is doing an extensive research study. A few months ago, she was asking for volunteers (blood sample)in the study (affected or not, I think). I don't know if she is still accepting more dogs in the study or not, but you can email her at [email protected]



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RE: Exercise Induced Collapse?
 

did all this stsrt after she had her pups ? and what is the temp were you are ?
i had the same thing when i would go huntung and a frieands dog woulg get like that ,he said i looked just like his dog after 30 mins of hunting ,i would tahe a pack of suger and water an i would be fine .so we did the same thing with his dog evrey 30 mins and he naver had it again....

RE: Exercise Induced Collapse?
 

We had a dog that had done what you are discribing and
had the vet check the blood. It turned out that low calcium
was the cause. Did your vet check for this? We had solved
our problem by adding some calcium tablets for a few days.
We kept an eye out and changed the dog food and it never
came back.

RE: Exercise Induced Collapse?
 

EIC is diagnosed by a process of elimination. Currently there is no test to confirm EIC. So, what Vets do is test and examine -- if all other possibilities are negative (eliminated), then the diagnosis of EIC can be made.


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RE: Exercise Induced Collapse?
 

That is about where we are at. We are doing some more tests on Monday.

RE: Exercise Induced Collapse?
 

I have a question. Is this kind of like hypoglycemia? I am wondering if this is not heat stroke or something similar, why does it make a difference if you run the dog under cold water or not? I have had this happen many times when training and I always do the same thing but I am wondering if it is necessary or if this is just a response to make sure it is not heat stroke. As far as your question the answer is pretty obvious. Whether it is EIC, hypoclycemia or what, you more then likely have a dog that could very well be carrying a gene that predisposes him or his offspring to this condition. I have been breeding for 25 years and about the best thing I have learned is, it simply isn't worth it to take risks when breeding dogs. You, your customers, and most of all the dogs are only being put in a compromising position. Just my opinion anyway, but I don't think there are too many of us that would willingly purchase a pup from you if they knew one of the parents had this problem. It is most important to protect your breed, your customers and your dogs if you are going to start breeding. There is much to be learned on genetics alone before even considering starting a breeding program. I don't know what level you are at but.....be careful when bringing new pups into the world. Any genetic defect you pass on through your breedings are multiplied hundreds, if not thousands of times over by people who do not know this problem exists in their line if you use your dog for breeding. Sorry. I hope everything works out for you..

RE: Exercise Induced Collapse?
 

Can't say I disagree with your comments. I plan to make sure there is no genetic connection before breeding her.

I can't say it isn't hypoglycemia. It comes around with the tub soak, rest and sugar water. Hopefully a more complete check-up with blood work will rule out most of these other conditions. Ryan

RE: Exercise Induced Collapse?
 

I know it sucks. I have had several dogs go down with hypoglycemia while training over the years. I even have had a couple while doing water work. That isn't fun. You think it wouldn't happen in the water but our lakes around here get in the 80's so it doesn't cool them down much. The only place you can go around here to work your dogs in the heat is a gravel pit. They are very deep and very cool. Now algea or crap like that in the water either. Good luck with your pup.

RE: Exercise Induced Collapse?
 

Bloodwork was normal. The vet is e-mailing the Doc listed here to get more info. Guess it is a waiting game now.