Will you wait until the EIC test.......

[Drew Good]

Hey Gang,

Since the forum is a little slow right now I thought I would try and throw out a topic to stir up some conversation....

Now that we know that there is a EIC test in the very near future and that the gene has been found and identified will you put off buying your next pup until you can find a breeding that you like and has had an EIC test done on both the parents?

Since I am looking to add a second dog to my truck in the future but am in no rush I know I will be waiting and only buy a pup from a breeding that has been tested. How about you's? I know there are a couple of us looking for that next pup. Are you going to wait or are you going to take your chances?

Drew

Drew

[Misty Marsh]

This is a no brainer for me:icon1_lol: I'd wait to buy my next pup becuase knowing that a 100% test for this terrible disease is around the corner by a simple cheek swab "taking my chances" seems like a fool hardy move, atleast on a first time breeding. I idea that you could have this "well bred" pup that excells to a AA FT level only to find out that is effected and could not be bred, or possibly continue at that level for fear of collapse or drowning would be terrible.

[Jojoe]

Certainly the test for EIC will become important for all breeders of quality Labradors – it will in all likelihood become as standard as hip and elbow clearances.

Should all breedings be put on hold until the test is available and results publicly displayed?

What of the pups that are on the ground right now, and the pups about to be thrown? Should all the pups without a definitive test be sold as pets, non working dogs (so less susceptible to stress onset), on the possibility that they are carriers or suffer with EIC? Or perhaps sold at a discount on this possibility?

Personally, I will be buying a pup in the next few months whether or not this test is made available (soon). I’m not willing to wait for definitive proof of ECI clearance. My work dictates that the time consuming adventure of early puppyhood be enjoyed during the winter months. My family and I are not willing to wait another full year or more to welcome a second pup into our home. There is a MUCH greater chance that our new pup will be unable to perform at a competitive level because of my limited experience/training ability rather than the possibility of suffering from this genetic disease.

[luvmylabs]

It is already too late for me. I just brought my new pup home. On the other hand I bought a repeat breeding. Since the first litter have showed no signs at 14 months old I am feeling pretty confident that this little guy will be fine. I do know before I buy another pup, I will want the test done. EIC is a very heartbreaking disease for both the owners and the dog.

Anne

[canman]

I am now in the process of training my third lab, and I hate to admit it, but I don't know what EIC is. Can someone please enlighten me? Thanks.

[Misty Marsh]

It's a genetic health condition that basically effects the dog like heat exhaustion without the heat or workload! Some dogs can train daily and get through a weekend trial while others can't run enough to get accross the backyard! It can be progressive and can be hidden as some dogs will carry the gene and not show signs while others are effected and will likely show visable signs.

[luvmylabs]

I am now in the process of training my third lab, and I hate to admit it, but I don't know what EIC is. Can someone please enlighten me? Thanks.


Here is a site which will explain what EIC is:

http://www.justlabradors.com/articles/lab_health_and_nutrition/exercise_induced_collapse_in_labrador_retrievers.h tml


Anne