My
blue eyed collie boy who you photographed as a pup has just been
diagnosed with assumed Border Collie Collapse. Which means no more
agility or full on play with the others. He started on some suggested
supplements but it doesn't seem much is known about the condition &
there isn't a genetic test. If any of your readers have dogs with this
condition I would be interested in speaking to them
Please post here or/and email ginauk84@yahoo.co.uk
Gina Stokes
Border Collie collapse is similar to the exercise-induced collapse
syndrome in retrievers. Alternative names include ‘the wobbles’,
exercise-induced hyperthermia and stress seizures. It is episodic
because it is triggered by vigorous exercise, excitement or high
environmental temperature or a combination of two or more factors. An
exact explanation is the subject of ongoing research, as is the search
for a genetic factor.
The problem manifests within five to
fifteen minutes of starting to exercise or after stopping exercise, with
disorientation and vacancy, swaying and staggering to one side, and a
bizarre, altered gait. The legs may even cross over when the dog turns.
This lasts for a variable length of time and then the dog is normal once
more without any apparent side-effects from the episode.
This
is why you have been advised your dog can do no more agility or ‘full on
play’ with other dogs. As the Border Collie is an inherently active and
willing worker, this must have come as a real blow to you.
Alison Logan, Vet
Hi, I have a beardie x collie bitch who was diagnosed with EIC (also known as the collie wobbles) about 6 years ago. At the time she was the only known mix breed with it. She leads a full and happy life and is now 10. I had to make the decision to have a happy dog that might have a shortened life or a miserable dog who was kept on the lead all the time. I chose the former, willow still chases her ball with huge amounts of energy. During the warmer months I only exercise her near water so she can regularily cool down. We do initial play with ball then chill out time when she can do as she pleases then ball time again. I have 2 much younger collies that she certainly keeps up with. Initially I was terrified but you soon learn to read the signs. Altho willow has had 4 full on collapses this year she hadnt had any for the 2 years previous I dont see this as a set back more that I need to watch more closely altho 2 of those collapses were with my partner who had never witnessed them before he now knows what to look for. This does not mean the end of everything your dog loves to do. You will learn to read him and be able to intervene before it becomes total, yes it means adjustments but not the end :)
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ReplyDeleteThanks Amy that's great to know, did you find any supplements or food types etc made any difference at all?
ReplyDeleteHi there is a good article been written on Agility Net at the moment . My 8yr old BC has had a few episodes but you get to know what sets it off and she lives a full and very active life . We compete at a grade 6 level at agility and she has never had any problems with training or competing. Hope you can sort your boy out but don't panic he can still be active.
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