Our fingers were crossed that they would be Normal/Normal meaning they had two normal copies of the MDR1 gene. Sadly, the results were that Tango and Juliett were Normal/Mutant - meaning that if they were to have puppies they would have the potential to pass the mutant gene on (which can't happen as they are both fixed) and they COULD experience issues with the list of drugs related to this condition.
Charli was Mutant/Mutant meaning that if she ever had puppies she would definitely pass along a mutant gene (again, she is fixed so not a concern) and she will MOST LIKELY experience issues with the list of drugs related to this condition.
While it was not the news we were hoping for, in the big scheme of things there are far worse things the dogs could have. I think that knowing they have this condition is the largest part of the battle here - we can manage around it by using drugs that are not on the list and if for some reason we need to use something on the list we can dose accordingly and monitor closely.
I am really glad we got the testing done. It's not free ($180 total cost for the three pups) but if you have a dog that is classed as a herder, in my opinion, it is well worth the money to know if they have the condition.
Our post about the testing (in case you missed it) can be found here
The link to where we got the testing done can be found here
The link to the list of breeds that could have this mutation can be found here
1 comment:
Dear Jennifer,
Thank you for contacting me to let me know the results of the MDR-1 testing for the three puppies you bought from me in early 2016. :)
I wanted to take a moment to let you know that they are not "mutants", LOL! Everyone, everything, has "mutant" genes. These can lead to beautiful variations, such as the merled coat, the white coat, and other changes that all species experience, as need be, over time.
However, the "mutant" MDR-1 gene is responsible for a sensitivity to Ivemectrin (a heartworm preventative, as in Heartguard), Immodium and some cancer drugs. The N ("Normal) gene is dominant, so the results of the testing are actually better than most Collie owners had thought, in that the two puppies whose results where Nm can actually process these medications effectively. :)
Thank you for participating in the testing and for sharing these results with me. Hopefully, one day, this drug resistant gene will be eliminated, but, in the meantime, at least Collie owners whose dogs get cancer can be tested to see if they can process a potentially life saving drug. I will certainly look for NN parents, as these parents would only produce puppies without the mutant gene, and, in the meantime, continue to warn potential owners about using Ivemectrin, Immodium and certain cancer drugs until and unless they have their puppies tested.
I would like to thank you for giving these three a beautiful and loving home. I am sure they are as happy as they could possibly be, (and your little piggie is keeping them in line - LOL!) I hope you have many joyful years with them and they bring you love, comfort, companionship, antics and entertainment.
Please feel free to contact me at any time with questions or concerns.
Sincerely,
Kimberly Austin
Amber Dawn Kennels
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