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EIC is the latest genetic quirk -- Exercise Induced Collapse. It's a recessive gene, carriers are not affected but dogs with two copies of the gene are affected. It's VERY common in Labs, mostly noticeably in the field bred lines, but it's also found in all other retriever breeds and some of the spaniels.

It's a genetic fault in the neuromuscular transmitters to the hind legs. If the dog gets overtired, overheated, and overexcited, their hind end quits working. But you know it's not heat stroke because in 15 minutes with rest and hydration they're absolutely fine, as though nothing had happened.

It's the scariest thing -- Ruby has had one episode, during intensive training on a very hot day. I thought she had stepped in a hole and broken her back. While some dogs are severely affected and some have died during an episode, Ruby seems to be only mildly affected, and with Doggie Gatorade and cooling mats, fans, etc. she has never had another attack.