Shoot! EIC Info. from the REAL Experts

[EIC Info]

Originally Posted by Jason

Can a dog that is tested clear still have EIC collapses ???

Hi Jason,

A dog that is EIC clear (ie, clear of the DNM1 mutation for which we test) could have collapse that looks like what we have defined as EIC... beginning with wobbly rear limbs that can lead to complete loss of the use of the rear while still dragging the front, that can proceed to complete collapse. On set and recovery are gradual, 5-20 mins typical.

However; there are other things that cause collapse, and if you have a clear dog that is having these symptoms you need to have a thourough work-up for other health problems.

In dogs submitted for EIC testing to the Veterinary Diagnostic Lab, we find that about 3-5% of dogs that test clear are having some sort of exercise intolerance or collapse. With more detailed questionnaires, most of the time an underlying cause is found, or the presentation of the collapse does not match that of EIC.


Katie Minor
EIC project coordinator

University of Minnesota, College of Veterinary Medicine

Disclosure of financial interests: The EIC test was developed through financial support from the AKC Canine Health Foundation. A portion of the proceeds from the test will be returned to the AKC Canine Health Foundation to further its mission to improve the health of all dogs. Drs. Mickelson, Patterson and Taylor; and Minor, RN are owners of pending patent rights of this genetic test and a portion of the proceeds will go toward patent royalties.

When you say you are researching the difference in lines and pedigrees - are you looking specifically at lines from individual kennels or top sires? What about separating field versus conformation lines? Is your data separated already?

I also heard recently that there is a significantly greater number of Curly Coats that are E/E yet are not collapsing compared to E/E that are - is this true?

[EIC Info]

Originally Posted by RexandLuke

When you say you are researching the difference in lines and pedigrees - are you looking specifically at lines from individual kennels or top sires? What about separating field versus conformation lines? Is your data separated already?

I also heard recently that there is a significantly greater number of Curly Coats that are E/E yet are not collapsing compared to E/E that are - is this true?

Great questions and comments!

Yes, we are looking at differences between field vs. show lines, and if we get enough samples, differences within pedigrees as well. This does NOT mean that certain pedigrees or sires will be referred to in a non-anonymous way in any publications.

For the Curlies we have noted a lower percentage of collapsing dogs. We are not yet sure if this is do to difference in activity levels (ie showing vs field training), differences in temperament, or genetic differences between the breeds that may be influencing likeliness to collapse between the breeds. It is not uncommon for a disease to present with different levels of severity or penetrance (likeliness to exhibit symptoms) among breeds.

Katie Minor
EIC project coordinator

University of Minnesota, College of Veterinary Medicine

Disclosure of financial interests: The EIC test was developed through financial support from the AKC Canine Health Foundation. A portion of the proceeds from the test will be returned to the AKC Canine Health Foundation to further its mission to improve the health of all dogs. Drs. Mickelson, Patterson and Taylor; and Minor, RN are owners of pending patent rights of this genetic test and a portion of the proceeds will go toward patent royalties.

I work with both field dogs and show dogs. It's very obvious the differences in temperament. Show dogs that are great retrievers and very excited about working are no where near the excitement level of a field dog. They are much more stoic and low key. I wonder if it's as simple as that more field dogs are truly affected and why the Curlys have some sort of protection - its all in temperament.

[bizmann1]

I just received my test results. My new dog is a carrier. Not what I was hoping for, but not the end of the world.

[SNardi]

This has been extremely informative. I hope you all got something out of it, I am now moving this thread to the Ask The Pros Forum so if you want to recheck somethings or continue to ask questions there be our guest!!!

Thanks to the Univeristy of Minnesota staff who took the time to address our questions and concerns.

Shannon