Exercise-Induced Collapse DNA Testing for Labrador Retrievers

The Labrador retriever is one of the most popular dog breeds in the UK and worldwide, cherished for its intelligence, high energy levels, and friendly temperament. These dogs fit perfectly into family life, working roles, and active lifestyles. However, like many purebreds, Labradors can be affected by certain hereditary health conditions that responsible owners and breeders should be aware of.

Exercise-Induced Collapse (EIC) is a genetic condition increasingly recognised in Labrador retrievers. It causes affected dogs to suffer from muscle weakness and collapse during or after intense exercise. Because EIC is inherited, understanding DNA testing options is essential for breeders and owners planning to breed or manage their pets’ health safely.

This guide explains what exercise-induced collapse is, how it is inherited, and how you can get your Labrador DNA tested in the UK today.

What is exercise-induced collapse in Labradors?

Exercise-induced collapse is a neuromuscular disorder typically seen when Labradors exert themselves strenuously. Symptoms usually begin with an unsteady or wobbly gait after around 5 to 15 minutes of high-impact activity. This can progress to the dog collapsing, experiencing limb weakness and sometimes difficulty moving.

Many dogs recover spontaneously within about 30 minutes after stopping exercise, but in rare cases, the collapse can be life-threatening. Factors like high ambient temperature and excitement often contribute to triggering episodes. Once a dog is affected, the condition cannot be cured and persists for life.

Signs generally first appear between six months and three years, but sometimes later in life. Owners need to adjust exercise routines carefully to prevent episodes and safeguard their dog's wellbeing.

How is EIC inherited in the Labrador retriever?

Labrador retriever EIC is an autosomal recessive genetic disorder linked to a mutation in the canine dynamin 1 (DNM1) gene. This means a dog must inherit two copies of the mutated gene—one from each parent—to have the condition.

Dogs inheriting only one copy of the mutation are called carriers. Carriers do not show clinical symptoms but can pass the gene to their offspring, which is why DNA testing both parents prior to breeding is vital.

Understanding parental status helps predict the likelihood of affected puppies in a litter:

• Two affected parents result in all puppies affected.
• Two clear parents (no mutation) produce clear puppies.
• Two carrier parents typically yield about 25% affected, 50% carriers, and 25% clear puppies.
• A clear and carrier parent will have 50% clear and 50% carrier puppies.
• An affected and a carrier parent will produce 50% affected and 50% carrier puppies.
• A clear and an affected parent will have only carrier puppies.

How to get your Labrador DNA tested for EIC in the UK

DNA testing for exercise-induced collapse is a straightforward process widely available in the UK:

Step 1: Choose your testing provider

The Kennel Club offers an individual EIC test kit that you can order online. It includes a cheek swab for easy DNA sampling at home.

Alternatively, your vet can collect a DNA sample via a cheek swab or blood draw and send it to the specialist laboratory Laboklin, the only authorised lab in Europe for EIC testing in Labradors.

Step 2: Collect the DNA sample

If ordering through the Kennel Club, follow the instructions to swab your dog’s cheek at home. For vet-based testing, schedule an appointment to collect the sample professionally.

Step 3: Submit the sample for testing

Return the sample using the prepaid envelope with Kennel Club kits, or have your vet send the sample directly to Laboklin’s European laboratory.

Step 4: Await and understand your results

Results usually arrive within 1 to 3 weeks, indicating the dog's status as Clear, Carrier, or Affected. This information is crucial to responsibly plan breeding or manage current pets to minimise risks.

Why responsible breeding and testing matters

Exercise-Induced Collapse can severely impact a dog’s quality of life. By ensuring both parents are DNA tested before breeding, owners and breeders can avoid producing affected puppies, improving the overall health of the Labrador breed.

Prospective puppy buyers should always ask breeders for DNA test results to confirm the health status of parents. This promotes ethical breeding and responsible pet ownership.

Summary: Key points about EIC in Labradors

• EIC is a hereditary, recessive genetic condition causing collapse after strenuous exercise.
• Symptoms often begin between 6 months to 3 years of age but can occur later.
• Testing is done via cheek swabs or blood samples sent to specialist labs like Laboklin.
• Laboklin is the authorised testing lab in Europe, with Kennel Club also offering testing options.
• Breeding decisions based on DNA results can prevent the spread of this condition.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get DNA test results for Exercise-Induced Collapse?

Quick Answer: DNA test results for EIC usually take between 1 to 3 weeks to be returned to the owner or breeder.

Testing turnaround time depends on the laboratory and method used. The UK Kennel Club's test kit and Laboklin's vet-submitted testing both provide results within this timeframe, allowing timely breeding decisions and health management.

Can you test puppies for EIC before buying?

Quick Answer: Puppies themselves are not typically DNA tested before sale; instead, buyers should request the EIC DNA status of both parents from the breeder to assess the risk.

Testing the parents' DNA gives a reliable prediction of the likelihood of EIC in the litter. Ethical breeders will provide documentation of DNA tests for their breeding dogs to ensure responsible breeding practices and healthy puppies.

What should I do if my Labrador shows signs of exercise-induced collapse?

Quick Answer: If your Labrador shows symptoms like wobbling or collapsing during exercise, immediately stop all strenuous activity and consult your vet for an accurate diagnosis and advice.

Managing EIC involves avoiding triggering intense exercise, maintaining a cool environment, and monitoring symptoms closely. A vet can advise on supportive care and any lifestyle adjustments needed to keep your dog comfortable and safe.