8 days ago my 4 year old lab Teddy died suddenly whilst playing ball/ catch. It has been a huge shock for my family and we are finding it very difficult to come to terms with. He was such a fit and healthy dog and regularly ran with me. The autopsy indicated that heart failure was the most likely cause. However, I am now thinking he had EIC (exercise induced collapse) as in the past year on 2 occasions his 'back end' gave way (only to return to his normal chirpy self a minute later). After reading articles referred to in Wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Exercise-induced_collapse) I contacted the Canadian vet, Sue Taylor, author of one of the articles cited. She very kindly emailed me back and noted that she also suspected that my dog did have EIC (although without DNA testing she could not be sure). Has anyone had a similar experience? How can I take steps to ensure that a new puppy will be EIC clear? Many thanks x
Re: Sudden death of 4 year old lab I'm so terribly sorry :'( How utterly dreadful to have lost your beautiful boy. My heart goes out to you :'( To be sure that your next pup is free of this inherited disease, you can get a pup from a breeder that has had both parent dogs tested for EIC. If they are clear of the disease, your pup will be safe. Dogs actually need two copies of the gene to be affected. A dog with only one copy is a carrier, but will not be affected by the disease either (fine for a pet dog that will not be bred from). You probably know all this from your research though. More and more breeders are testing for this gene. Every single breeder should, in my view. Also make sure the breeder has had hip and elbow scores done, and had checks for PRA (or Progressive Retinal Atrophy) - on both parents. And ask to see the certification for each dog. If they won't show it to you, make it a deal breaker and walk away. Will be thinking of you today. Take care.
Re: Sudden death of 4 year old lab How terrible for you Your boy looked like a handsome lad. I can't imagine what you are going through...... We have had some discussions about this before, I don't know whether you have spotted them if you have used the search function. http://www.thelabradorsite.com/forums/index.php/topic,2088.0.html http://www.thelabradorsite.com/forums/index.php/topic,27.0.html I don't know whether these or the links on them might be of any help. Welcome to the forum. Sorry it has been such a sad event that has brought you here. jac
Re: Sudden death of 4 year old lab Thank you for your kind words- I really appreciate it! I have now looked at the articles noted and have found them very informative. I will definitely check out tests carried out by breeders on any pup I may consider in the future. My little boys are already asking for a new friend.....
Re: Sudden death of 4 year old lab What a harrowing upsetting thing to have happened to you and your family ,I am so sorry for you and cannot begin to imagine how you all must be feeling. I don't know anything about EIC except what has been discussed on the threads that you have been directed too,that is the beauty of this forum...there is so much information,advice and support. My very best wishes Angela
Re: Sudden death of 4 year old lab Offering my sincere sympathy , what a terrible shock and loss for you .
Re: Sudden death of 4 year old lab So sorry to hear about the tragic loss of your young dog. You must be devastated. Are you in the UK? If so, there are some breeders now testing for EIC. I can give you some names of EIC clear stud dogs when you want to start looking for a puppy. If the stud dog is clear, even if the bitch is not tested, none of the pups can be affected by the disease (though some could still be carriers ). I should also add, in case others are worried about their own pups, you have been very unlucky as EIC is still quite unusual in the UK. Best wishes, Pippa
Re: Sudden death of 4 year old lab So very sad for you and your family, my heart goes out to you for the loss of your very handsome, dear Teddy. Can't comprehend what you must all be feeling during this terrible time. Please take care. Helen xxx :'( :'( :'(
Re: Sudden death of 4 year old lab So very sorry to hear the sad news. Teddy sounds as if he was a wonderful boy. Alice
Re: Sudden death of 4 year old lab Deeply sorry to read of the sudden death of such a young Labrador, very shocking for you. I have known an other Lab who dropped dead at just a year and that was put down to heart.
