As testing of the mutant Multi-Drug Resistance 1 gene becomes more standard, additional rocks and carriers of mixed breeds of MDR1 detect it.
How MDR1 works
P-glycoprotein is a protein that removes toxins and drugs from your dog's brain. If your dog is a carrier of the mutant gene, the toxins of certain drugs and chemicals accumulate in their brain. Mutant MRD1 genes are not able to deflate toxins. Toxicity causes neurological problems such as convulsions and even death.
Dogs with a single copy of the mutant gene are sensitive to certain drugs, especially those that contain ivermectin, imodium and acepromazine. Dogs with two copies of a mutant gene are predisposed to serious and potentially fatal reactions to a variety of drugs, many of which are used by humans.
Precautionary measures
Observation drugs include, but are not limited to: immunosuppressants, opioids, opioid derivatives, steroid hormones, heart drugs, antibiotics, anti-cancer drugs. Never leave your medication within the reach of your pet.
If you have guests at home, insist that they do not leave their medications where your dog can get to them. Store them in boxes, not in suitcases or makeup / shaving bags.
If you have recently fed your horses, do not let the dog enter the pens or shed for at least 48 hours. Immediately clean the manure and discard it out of the reach of dogs. Some dogs love dung!
Use caution on recently treated lawn mowers. Ask your lawn service what they use. From personal experience, I can vouch for the mortality of lawn chemicals. The 12 week old Australian Shepherd puppy, who was supposed to be one of my Puppy kindergarten classes, died in the morning when they were to attend their first class. The chemicals used to treat the lawn, at the beginning of the week, poisoned them. It was a hearty experience for the owners! Even though the yard was splashed in the morning, and the puppy was not allowed into the yard until the evening, the lawn was still toxic!
If your dog has been tested positively, we suggest you get a “MEDIC ALERT” tag for your collar, from Buster Alert. All they ask is a donation of five dollars! It will be well spent money if they are injured or lost!
If your puppy or dog requires surgery, ask your vet what they are going to use to calm your pet. Are any of these drugs on your dog's toxic list?
Talk to your veterinarian about alternative heartworm treatment using milbemycin oxide, such as an Inceptor.
What breeds are under threat?
Initially it was thought that MDR1 was limited to pasture breeds. As testing has increased, new breeds are added to the list, especially gray hounds and greyhounds. These include, but are not limited to:
Afghan hounds
Australian Shepherd Dogs (standard and miniature)
greyhound
Boxers
Collie (rough and smooth)
Deerhounds
English shepherd dogs
German Shepherd Dogs
Doggy
Mcnabbs
Old English Sheepdogs
Saluki
Shetland Sheepdogs
Silken windhounds
Whippet
wolfhounds
Mixed breeds of any of the above in their origin are also at increased risk.
Tests available
The good news is reliable testing. You have the opportunity to have your vet pass the test, or you can do it yourself. Typically, your veterinarian will send a blood sample or oral swab.
You can save a few dollars and do it yourself by sending in an oral smear. Test kits are offered for about $ 70 through the Washington State College of Veterinary Clinical Pharmacological Laboratory. Visit their website for more information.
Bottom line: for peace of mind and in order to avoid the risk of losing your pet, you should check that your canine companion is tested on MDR1. If they test positive, make sure they carry the MEDIC ALERT tag.
Follow the link: http://www.busteralert.com or http://www.vetmed.wsu.edu/depts-vcpl/drugs.aspx for more complete lists of drugs and chemicals, test kit and MEDIC ALERT tag.
