EAST COAST CORGI RESCUE
NJ, DE, MD, PA, DC, VA ~ 501c3
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Welcome to the Corgi Corner! We started a series that is posted on the first Saturday of every month! These posts will help spread education and awareness on topics like general dog care, corgi specific things, medical care, health facts, etc. This month’s Corgi Corner post will be all about exercise-induced collapse! Exercise-induced collapse (EIC) is a genetic neuromuscular disorder characterized by muscle weakness, lack of coordination, and life-threatening collapse after intense exercise in otherwise apparently healthy dogs. EIC has been linked to a mutation in the dynamin 1 (DNM1) gene, which codes for the protein dynamin. In the neuron, dynamin brings neurotransmitter-filled vesicles from the cell body, where they are generated, to the dendrites. It is hypothesized in dogs affected with EIC that the mutation in DNM1 disrupts efficient neurotransmitter release, leading to a stop in signaling and EIC. Signs of this disease develop in young dogs, typically before 3 years of age and as early as 5 months of age. Affected dogs can tolerate mild to moderate activity but will display signs of EIC after 5-20 minutes of strenuous exercise. The severity of EIC varies. Some affected dogs continue to run while dragging their hind legs, while others have progression of weakness from rear to forelimbs resulting in a total inability to move. EIC events are often accompanied by a dramatic increase in body temperature. EIC episodes last from 5-25 minutes with a gradual return to normal with no apparent residual weakness or stiffness. Genetic testing, clinical signs, and muscle biopsy can be used to diagnose EIC. Dogs with this condition are otherwise normal, healthy, and can lead full, productive lives with proper management. Although, some severely affected dogs have died during an episode. The factors determining the severity of an episode on a given day or in a given dog is unknown. Owners of affected dogs should familiarize themselves with the types of activities that are appropriate for their dogs as well as specific triggers of EIC episodes. The exercise-induced collapse mutation, DNM1, was first characterized in Labrador Retrievers. It has been identified in several different breeds, including Pembroke Welsh Corgis, Old English Sheepdogs, Cocker Spaniels, German Wirehaired Pointers, and Chesapeake Bay Retrievers. EIC is a genetic disease and it is 100% preventable with genetic testing and reputable breeding practices. Reputable breeders will test their parent dogs prior to breeding to determine if they are clear of EIC (no copies of the mutated gene), a carrier (1 copy of the mutated gene), or at risk of EIC (2 copies of the mutated gene). They will also provide proof of this to any potential new puppy parents. Unfortunately, even with the ability to do genetic testing, EIC can still be seen in Pembroke Welsh Corgis because of irresponsible breeding practices by backyard breeders and puppy mills.
