Affected dogs appear normal during low to moderately strenuous activity, but they develop a wobbly, uncoordinated gait that is most severe in the hind limbs after brief bouts of strenuous activity. Typically the dogs remain conscious and are not in pain during an episode. In some cases, however, the signs are severe with full body weakness and low muscle tone (flaccid paralysis), confusion, loss of consciousness, and seizures. Very rarely, death can occur. The episodes typically last 5 to 10 minutes and most dogs will recover completely within 15 to 30 minutes.

Treatment is supportive care during the periods of collapse and limiting strenuous exercise to avoid episodes.

There are many responsibilities to consider when breeding dogs. Regardless of test results it is important that your dog is in good general health and that you are in a position to care for the puppies if new responsible owners are not found. For first time or novice breeders, advice can be found at most kennel club websites.

This disease is autosomal recessive meaning that two copies of the mutation are needed for disease signs to be shown. A carrier dog with one copy of the EIC mutation can be safely bred with a clear dog with no copies of the EIC mutation. About half of the puppies will have one copy (carriers) and half will have no copies of the EIC mutation. A dog with two copies of the EIC mutation can be safely bred with a clear dog. The resulting puppies will all be carriers. Puppies in a litter which is expected to contain carriers should be tested prior to breeding. Carrier to carrier matings are not advised as the resulting litter may contain affected puppies. Please note: It is possible that disease signs similar to the ones caused by the EIC mutation could develop due to a different genetic or clinical cause.