The diagrams below represent how genetics plays a roll in determining a dog's EIC
status. A dog carries two genes for the EIC trait, one from his dam and one from his
sire. A dog with two normal genes will not be affected with EIC, a dog with one
normal and one mutated gene will not be affected with EIC, and dog with two
mutated genes will likely be affected.
click here for more information about EIC
status. A dog carries two genes for the EIC trait, one from his dam and one from his
sire. A dog with two normal genes will not be affected with EIC, a dog with one
normal and one mutated gene will not be affected with EIC, and dog with two
mutated genes will likely be affected.
click here for more information about EIC
| Exercise Induced Collapse and Degenerative Myelopathy Information |
Degenerative Myelopathy is an autoimmune related disease that can
affect Chessies and other breeds. A dog that has DM will not typically
show symptoms until he or she is older in age (average onset is 9 yrs).
DM results in the degeneration of the spinal cord which in turn affects
the dog's ability to use it's hind legs properly. Eventually affected
animals become paralyzed in the hind limbs and death from the disease
will occur.
The same 'genetic' diagrams given above for EIC can be used to help
make breeding decisions with regard to DM. While DM is thought to be
polygenic (controlled by more than one gene) current testing identifies
only ONE pair of genes that researchers have found to be associated
with DM. With this test, if a dog tests A/A (carries two mutated genes,
based on the currently available test) that means that the dog is at risk
for developing DM (not that he is guaranteed to develop a full fledged
case). Until a test is found that will identify other genes which may be
involved in the onset of DM (trigger genes), the current test only sheds
light on part of the answer.
Environmental factors are another possible 'trigger' that may be
connected to the onset of DM and are also being researched.
If a dog is tested clear for DM, it is shown as N/N for two normal genes.
If a dog is tested as a carrier for DM, it is shown as A/N for one normal
and one mutated gene.
If a dog is tested as at risk for developing DM (has two mutated genes),
it is shown as A/A.
affect Chessies and other breeds. A dog that has DM will not typically
show symptoms until he or she is older in age (average onset is 9 yrs).
DM results in the degeneration of the spinal cord which in turn affects
the dog's ability to use it's hind legs properly. Eventually affected
animals become paralyzed in the hind limbs and death from the disease
will occur.
The same 'genetic' diagrams given above for EIC can be used to help
make breeding decisions with regard to DM. While DM is thought to be
polygenic (controlled by more than one gene) current testing identifies
only ONE pair of genes that researchers have found to be associated
with DM. With this test, if a dog tests A/A (carries two mutated genes,
based on the currently available test) that means that the dog is at risk
for developing DM (not that he is guaranteed to develop a full fledged
case). Until a test is found that will identify other genes which may be
involved in the onset of DM (trigger genes), the current test only sheds
light on part of the answer.
Environmental factors are another possible 'trigger' that may be
connected to the onset of DM and are also being researched.
If a dog is tested clear for DM, it is shown as N/N for two normal genes.
If a dog is tested as a carrier for DM, it is shown as A/N for one normal
and one mutated gene.
If a dog is tested as at risk for developing DM (has two mutated genes),
it is shown as A/A.
Recently two DNA tests have been made available for dog owners and
breeders to determine the status of their dog(s) regarding Exercise Induced
Collapse and Degenerative Myelopathy. Both of these diseases can affect
Chessies (but in relatively small numbers). Here at Skyview we are doing
our part to help educate people about them.
breeders to determine the status of their dog(s) regarding Exercise Induced
Collapse and Degenerative Myelopathy. Both of these diseases can affect
Chessies (but in relatively small numbers). Here at Skyview we are doing
our part to help educate people about them.
 | |  | |  | |  |
Exercise Induced Collapse
Degenerative Myelopathy
EIC or Exercise Induced Collapse is a genetic disease which can have serious
consequences for affected dogs. The symptoms of an EIC episode typically occur
during a 5-20 minute period of strenuous physical activity. These episodes are often
exacerbated by high outside temperatures and activities which make the dog very
excited.
EIC symptoms include weakness in the rear legs (as if drunk), dragging of the back
legs and/or inability to use the back legs for support. The dog will be panting very
heavily during an EIC episode and will have a very high body temperature. In some
cases, as the incident progresses, a dog may develop weakness of forelimbs,
confusion, loss of balance, and possibly even death. The severity of EIC episodes
can vary greatly from one affected animal to the next.
Most dogs recover from an EIC episode within 25 minutes and are completely
normal with no lasting stiffness or weakness. In order to prevent EIC episodes it is
best for affected dogs not to be put into situations of strenuous and/or exciting
activity that cause such episodes. For some retrievers, this means no retrieving, or
limited retrieving where they can be monitored carefully for the symptoms which
show an EIC episode developing.
consequences for affected dogs. The symptoms of an EIC episode typically occur
during a 5-20 minute period of strenuous physical activity. These episodes are often
exacerbated by high outside temperatures and activities which make the dog very
excited.
EIC symptoms include weakness in the rear legs (as if drunk), dragging of the back
legs and/or inability to use the back legs for support. The dog will be panting very
heavily during an EIC episode and will have a very high body temperature. In some
cases, as the incident progresses, a dog may develop weakness of forelimbs,
confusion, loss of balance, and possibly even death. The severity of EIC episodes
can vary greatly from one affected animal to the next.
Most dogs recover from an EIC episode within 25 minutes and are completely
normal with no lasting stiffness or weakness. In order to prevent EIC episodes it is
best for affected dogs not to be put into situations of strenuous and/or exciting
activity that cause such episodes. For some retrievers, this means no retrieving, or
limited retrieving where they can be monitored carefully for the symptoms which
show an EIC episode developing.
