Exercise induced fit - help needed!

[susierose]

Hi, we have recently got a 3 year old GSD/Collie cross from a rescue centre and a couple of times when we have given him a lot of exercise he has collapsed and has had what seems like a fit although his eyes are still focussed and he recovers quickly and fully with seemingly no after effects. Otherwise he's fit and well and is putting weight on quickly after being very underfed prior to us getting him. Has anyone any ideas as I'm loathe to put him on full time medication for the occasional episode?

Thanks Sue

[mac.]

does he fall onto his back still have full control of his head but legs and body fit??
reason i ask is my fathers dogs suffers it and it is when he goes on a long walk!
I could if this sounds the same find out the information from them as I believe he is on no medication.

[susierose]

Hi, he usually starts to wobble a bit and then his legs give way and he falls to the side. He still seems aware though obviously distressed and has also been sick a couple of the times. He's still pretty much aware throughout and we have to keep him calm as he keeps trying to get up. It passes pretty quickly though thankfully. He's quite a anxiety prone dog and wonder if the combination of stress and full on exercise sets it off. Thanks for any help you can give! Sue

[Katie the Dog Trainer]

Have you had your dog checked out at the vets, he may have a heart murmur which is causing the wipeouts? My youngest dog had similar episodes which revealed a heart murmur which her previous owners did NOT tell me about.
Get him checked thoroughly (I call this an MOT!) then you can consult your vet for an idea of how much exercise you can safely have with your dog, it must be really distressing for you to witness this in him. I hope your dog is ok x

[susierose]

Hi Katie, yes he was fully checked out by the vet before we got him with no heart problems reported. I've seen some websites in the US that recognise something similsr as exercise induced collapse (EIC) and its prevalent mainly in labradors but also seen in other working type dogs such as collies but nothing from the UK. He's due a check up soon so I'll mention it then. Thanks Sue

[Katie the Dog Trainer]

Your welcome Sue, best of luck x