Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and English Toy Spaniel ONLY
Episodic Falling Syndrome (EFS)
Disease description: Episodic Falling Syndrome (EFS) is characterized by episodes of spastic muscle stiffening triggered by exercise, stress, excitement, or apprehension. Onset of signs can occur between 14 weeks and 4 years of age. Episodes vary in frequency and severity. More severe episodes are characterized by progressive stiffening of all 4 limbs resulting in immobilization and often falling. Other signs may include facial muscle stiffness, stumbling, a “bunny-hopping” gait, arching of the back, or vocalization. Dogs do not lose consciousness during these episodes. Between episodes, dogs appear completely normal. EFS is caused by deficiency of a protein called brevican (BCAN), which plays a role in controlling the functions of specific neurons in the brain and spinal cord. Loss of brevican leads to abnormal bursts of neuronal activity that cause spastic muscle contraction.
Reference:
Gill JL, Tsai KL, Krey C, Noorai RE, Vanbellinghen JF, Garosi LS, Shelton GD, Clark LA, Harvey RJ. A canine BCAN microdeletion associated with episodic falling syndrome. Neurobiology of Disease. 45(1):130-6, 2012.
Gene: BCAN
Tests are ordered online through the secure area of the OFA website. Payment is accepted by credit card (MasterCard and VISA). The OFA administers all order handling. Upon receipt of an order, the OFA will send out the test kit which will include a Foam-Tipped Applicator card for DNA sample collection, along with sample collection instructions. Using the FTA card technology, owners can safely collect DNA samples at home. The collection process is non-invasive, and no veterinary appointment is necessary.
Samples are then sent to the University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine where the samples will be processed by the Small Animal Molecular Genetics Lab. Results will be forwarded to the OFA, and the OFA will issue the resulting report to the owner.
The fee for each test includes the test kit, laboratory processing, and subsequent registration in the OFA databases.