Gene for Exercised Induced Collapse in Labs Identified

[golden&hovawart]

The University of Minnesota has announced the identification of a mutant gene in labrador retrievers that is linked to the occurrence of Exercise Induced Collapse (EIC). This disorder is said to affect 3-5% of labs, to be carried by an estimated 30%, and usually two copies of the gene are necessary for the dog to be affected:


"The symptoms of EIC — wobbliness and eventual collapse of the rear legs — are generally brought on by intense exercise and excitement from activities like hunting. In some instances, loss of muscle control spreads to the front legs and, in rare cases, has caused death, though most dogs recover quickly. The gene produces a protein involved in the chemical signaling between nerves that allows the brain to control muscle movement, Patterson said.
He and the study’s co-authors think the mutant protein hinders the system’s ability to send signals between nerves. This suggests that EIC occurs because the chemical communication system can’t keep up with rapid firing required during intense exercise, he added.
Now that they’ve linked the mutant gene and the disorder, he said, they’re doing more research to confirm that the mutant gene does, indeed, affect the nervous system in this way.
He added that since all mammals carry the gene, learning more about how the gene’s protein functions could contribute to understanding disorders in other mammals, including humans.
Prior to this study’s findings, diagnosing the syndrome was a challenge, because they first had to rule out other possible causes of collapse and were never completely certain of a diagnosis, he said.
Now, a DNA blood test can confirm diagnosis for breeders and owners whose Labradors are exhibiting symptoms, Patterson said."

U researchers ID mutant gene in Labradors | mndaily.com

[mara]

Interesting.....I never knew there was a problem like this with Labs....

[BabyElephant]

Yes and it's very different to CNM that can happen in labs too. I knew they'd identified the gene quite a while ago but I'm not sure when commercial testing is going to be available? I haven't checked for a little while. I think I posted about it before, I'll see if I can find the thread.

[BabyElephant]

Found it - here is the thread http://www.prodoggroomingsupplies.co...ad.php?t=49135

[golden&hovawart]

BE,yes you did but it was a different article!.

[BabyElephant]

Originally Posted by golden&hovawart

BE,yes you did but it was a different article!.

I know it was a different article but I was just giving the reference for Mara who'd never heard of it before. Just a bit more info for her and others who are interested

[golden&hovawart]

Originally Posted by BabyElephant

I know it was a different article but I was just giving the reference for Mara who'd never heard of it before. Just a bit more info for her and others who are interested

Oh OK,Didn't mean to sound snappy!.