01511-A: Basis of Exercise-Induced Border Collie Collapse
Grant Status: Closed
Project Summary
A disorder known as Border Collie collapse (BCC) is now recognized in dogs of this breed throughout North America, Europe and Australia. BCC appears to be common in dogs used for working stock, as well as in dogs trained for agility or flyball competitions and pet dogs repeatedly retrieving a tennis ball. This disorder has also been called, likely incorrectly, malignant hyperthermia, heat intolerance, exercise-induced hyperthermia, or exercise-induced collapse. At this time, a presumptive diagnosis of BCC can only be made by eliminating all other causes of exercise intolerance and weakness. There is no specific test for the condition and no specific therapy can be recommended. Affected dogs are often unable to exercise, must be retired from competition and work, and are often euthanized. Though rare, some affected dogs have died during an episode of collapse. Border collie breeder and breed association websites and newsletters list this syndrome as a prominent concern in the breed. We have described the clinical features of BCC through an online survey, developed a DNA bank of samples from affected and normal dogs, and estimated the familial nature and heritability of BCC. This preliminary work, in concert with extensive clinical and phenotypic work currently being performed by Dr Sue Taylor, will soon position us to propose a whole genome association analysis to map chromosomal locations of BCC gene loci and produce a DNA-based marker test.
Publication(s)
Taylor, S., Minor, K., Shmon, C. L., Shelton, G. D., Patterson, E. E., & Mickelson, J. R. (2016). Border Collie Collapse: Owner Survey Results and Veterinary Description of Videotaped Episodes. Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association, 52(6), 364–370. http://doi.org/10.5326/JAAHA-MS-6436
Help Future Generations of Dogs
Participate in canine health research by providing samples or by enrolling in a clinical trial. Samples are needed from healthy dogs and dogs affected by specific diseases.
