Sep 22, 2008 11:05 pm US/Central
'U' Scientists ID Gene Linked To Labrador Ailment
(WCCO)
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Researchers at the University of Minnesota Veterinary Hospital worked for six years before finding the gene that causes the disorder. If two dogs with the gene mate, their puppies will likely have the disorder. (File)
AP
Scientists at the University of Minnesota say they've figured out why many Labrador Retrievers lose movement in their legs after exercise. The condition, called Exercise-Induced Collapse or EIC, is when dogs hind legs simply stop working and the animal is temporarily paralyzed.
While some dogs are only paralyzed for a few seconds before they recover, others are more severely stricken and in rare cases the dog can die.
Researchers at the University of Minnesota Veterinary Hospital worked for six years before finding the gene that causes the disorder. If two dogs with the gene mate, their puppies will likely have the disorder.
The U of M has developed a genetic test, and so far dog owners have sent in 1,000 blood samples for testing. Some of the samples are from foreign countries including Australia and Germany.
"Now that we have this genetic test anyone can go to their veterinarian and get a small blood sample taken and send it here," said Dr. Ned Patterson, the U of M professor who conducted the research.
Karen Cashman a Scott County breeder, has held off breeding her dogs until the test was developed.
"I'm just so happy that the 'U' came up with this," she said.
None of Cashman's dogs suffer from the paralyzing disorder but two did test positive for the gene.
While five percent of labs have the disorder, an estimated 30 percent have the gene. As more dogs are tested, breeders hope the percentage of affected dogs will decline. The test costs $65 and right now the U of M lab is the only one in the world currently doing this test.
For information on how to get your dog tested click on the link below.
University of Minnesota Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory 
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