Border Collie Collapse
Border Collie Collapse (sometimes called Exercise Induced Collapse, although it is a separate condition unique to Border Collies than that recognised in Labrador Retrievers) is an episodic nervous system disorder triggered by exercise (not necessarily strenuous) and excitement causing temporary collapse and loss of coordination, usually lasting 5 - 30 minutes. It tends to be triggered by high-intensity, stimulating exercise such as ball retrieval, agility, flyball or herding and can occur in both warm and cool weather. Whilst initial symptoms may appear similar to Epilepsy or heatstroke, there is a marked difference in the presentation of each condition. Dogs with BCC appear completely healthy in between episodes, usually stay alert during, and recover fully following an episode. Border Collie Collapse is not a life-threatening condition and usually only requires lifestyle and exercise management, however at first presentation veterinary advice should be sought to rule out any more serious conditions.
There is not yet a DNA test available to identify the genetic markers of Border Collie Collapse and avoid the condition when breeding, so management within breeding programs is limited to managing lines after the condition has presented - making it important for buyers to inform their breeders at all times when BCC is diagnosed. Owners may test their dogs for the genetic markers identified in Labrador Retrievers for Exercise Induced Collapse however this does not rule out Border Collie Collapse. A study has been ongoing at the University of Minnesota for a number of years to work towards developing testing, and owners with diagnosed dogs are encouraged to submit DNA samples to continue this work.
Diagnosis is by elimination of the other possible causes of seizures. Diagnostic tests in this process may include blood and urine tests, cerebrospinal fluid analysis, ultrasound scans, CT and MRI scans. EEG recording of the electrical activity of the brain may also be helpful in detecting or ruling out suspected epilepsy, however as mentioned previously this condition presents differently.
Symptoms of BCC are distinctive and usually present the same way in each episode, which helps in identifying them. They can include:
Unlike a seizure, dogs usually remain awake and alert during episodes of BCC. They want to keep playing or running, the signal is just not getting through to coordinate their body. Border Collie Collapse is a nervous system disorder not a heat-related illness, and can occur in hot, mild or cool weather equally. It can be differentiated from heat exhaustion or heatstroke by checking the dog's temperature - they may be hotter than usual from exercise; however, it will not be different to a healthy dog and certainly not the dangerous levels seen in heatstroke, which will also make a dog lethargic, unresponsive or panicked. Heatstroke requires emergency cooling and veterinary care whilst Border Collie Collapse resolves quickly with rest. A common misconception is that BCC requires high-intensity activity to trigger an episode, however some dogs exhibit symptoms after a short walk or becoming over-excited and over-stimulated mentally (which is why obsessive fetching is such a common trigger activity reported).
Treatment is lifestyle based and usually includes identifying and avoiding or managing the activities that trigger episodes. It does not necessarily mean the end of all exercise and play for your dog; it just requires modification and diligence. Most dogs will continue to live happy, fulfilling lives and their life expectancy is not decreased with this diagnosis.
Symptoms of BCC are distinctive and usually present the same way in each episode, which helps in identifying them. They can include:
- Sudden onset of weakness or collapse usually 5-15 minutes after exercise starts
- Wobbly or uncoordinated gait (drunken walk)
- Staggering, swaying or scuffing paws
- Dragging or weakness in the rear legs
- Disorientation or dazed appearance
- Temporary inability to move
Unlike a seizure, dogs usually remain awake and alert during episodes of BCC. They want to keep playing or running, the signal is just not getting through to coordinate their body. Border Collie Collapse is a nervous system disorder not a heat-related illness, and can occur in hot, mild or cool weather equally. It can be differentiated from heat exhaustion or heatstroke by checking the dog's temperature - they may be hotter than usual from exercise; however, it will not be different to a healthy dog and certainly not the dangerous levels seen in heatstroke, which will also make a dog lethargic, unresponsive or panicked. Heatstroke requires emergency cooling and veterinary care whilst Border Collie Collapse resolves quickly with rest. A common misconception is that BCC requires high-intensity activity to trigger an episode, however some dogs exhibit symptoms after a short walk or becoming over-excited and over-stimulated mentally (which is why obsessive fetching is such a common trigger activity reported).
Treatment is lifestyle based and usually includes identifying and avoiding or managing the activities that trigger episodes. It does not necessarily mean the end of all exercise and play for your dog; it just requires modification and diligence. Most dogs will continue to live happy, fulfilling lives and their life expectancy is not decreased with this diagnosis.
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