Disoriented Doodle???

[Lindsey, Lee, Whopper and Simba]

Hi all,
Last night Whopper (10 1/2 mo) was playing with her neighborhood buddy Apollo, a 1 year old malamut. There's probably a 20-30 pound weight difference but they are close in size. The two love playing together and Apollo's owner is always right there keeping him in line. He at times plays a little rough (not aggressive) but likes to pin whopper down but will release on command. Last night after 10-15 minutes, I noticed Whopper having trouble standing and walking. She almost looked drunk like she couldn't get her balance. I quickly grabbed her and it was almost like I was holding her up. While Apollo was being held, I checked Whopper's paws, legs, hips etc to see if I could notice anything. As they were both out of breath and my husband had just pulled in the driveway, I put on Whopper's leash and slowly watched her walk home. She seemed to be walking normally again. Once inside she went up all of our stairs and still seemed to be okay just panting heavily. So I guess my question is, did she overheat a little? Was that her way of saying I've had enough tonight? Did she get knocked down and just come out of it a little confused? Should I be concerned? She was her normal self again this morning and hasn't shown any other issues since that episode of not being able to stand/walk straight. It was a really scary minute but now that all seems to be okay I thought I'd seek any information on what might have occurred. Thanks!

[1xar0x2rcx0li]

I wouldnt be terribly worried if this is the first time and it doesnt happen again, But if it does, soemthing to be aware of is Exercise Induced Collapse.

From Wikipedia "Exercise Induced Collapse (EIC) is a genetic syndrome, predominately occurring in Labrador Retrievers but also seen in Chesapeake Bay Retrievers and Curly-Coated Retrievers. Affected Dogs show signs of muscle weakness, incoordination, and life-threatening collapse when participating in strenuous exercise or activity. Affected dogs can tolerate mild to moderate exercise, but just 5 to 20 minutes of strenuous activity, or even extreme excitement such as that seen in field trials or hunt tests, can induce weakness or collapse. Dogs Affected with EIC usually cannot continue with intense retriever training, but can live normal lives as house pets."

A link to more info: http://www.justlabradors.com/articles/lab_health_and_nutrition/exer...

[Lindsey, Lee, Whopper and Simba]

Thanks for the information. Any idea if this is a golden retriever issue as well? Whopper is an f1 goldendoodle.

[1xar0x2rcx0li]

It is most common is labs, but can occur in chessies too, and I imagine the other retrievers as well to a lesser extent. I think part of it is the retieving/working instince it so high in some line that they keep going and ignore all the bodies "stop and rest" signals. Maybe Whooper just overplayed and exhausted himself because it was so fun.

[Adrianne Matzkin]

Another new lesson - thanks for posting that!!

[F, Calla & Luca]

Very interesting! Thanks for this informative article!

[Allyson, Peri & Taquito]

Taquito has collapsed before from playing or walking when it is hot. He loses his balance easily, but he is a chihuahua. He is totally fine after he cools off. I wouldn't worry unless it happens again.

[Ron Carnes]

Zack was running in the back yard and slipped on the wet patio, landed on his side and knocked the wend out of him. He had similar sympoms but was fine after a few minutes.

[Zoe, Benny and Tyler]

Could it be exhaustion? We experienced that as well when Benny was a puppy and he just didn't realize when he had too much.