Health Report Final - Flipbook - Page 48
Exercise Induced Collapse (EIC)
EIC first arose as a concern in the U.K. in 2015, and carriers were found to be widespread
in the breed. Since its discovery, it has remained a recommended test for all Clumber
Spaniels being bred.
EIC causes a defect in nerve communica on during exercise. In affected dogs, certain
factors can trigger a collapse, including but not limited to, the type of exercise,
temperature, and excitement. This can severely impact the dog's quality of life and
working ability, although some affected dogs remain asymptoma c.
Embark, Laboklin and the Kennel Club all offer validated EIC tests for Clumber spaniels, but
results need to be sent to the Kennel Club to be registered on the dog's file.
health.results@thekennelclub.org.uk
The condi on follows an autosomal recessive trait of inheritance meaning this could be
bred out of the breed if all dogs were tested and CLEAR x CLEAR or CLEAR x CARRIER dogs
were bred the numbers of CARRIERS over me should in theory reduce to the point where
CARRIERS could be excluded from the popula on this should enable breeding out the
condi on within a few genera ons. CARRIERS should never be bred together as this risks
producing dogs with clinical symptoms of EIC.
Of the popula on of 500+ Clumber spaniels tested by Embark 93.2% of dogs tested Clear
and 6.8% tested as Carriers.
On the health survey only 53/277 dogs (19%) had EIC DNA test result.
On the breeding survey the number was higher with 69% of females and 59.6% of males
having been tested prior to breeding. Given that this is a required test for the breed
numbers would be expected to be higher.
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