MDR1 Genetic Testing

On the 2nd of January, I sent off samples to Washington State University to test the puppies for MDR1.  Multi-Drug Resistance is a genetic mutation that is found in herding dogs.  As I understand it - if they have this mutation they are missing a protein that processes medication which allows the drug to build up in their system, essentially causing an overdose or toxic condition.

There are three possibilities for the results of this testing - first it could come back negative (two normal copies of the gene in question) - that would be the best case scenario.  Second, they could be carriers - meaning they COULD be sensitive to the drugs in question - it would mean they have one mutant gene and one normal gene.  Third - they could have two mutant genes which would mean they most likely WOULD be sensitive to the drugs in question.  The good news is that if we know about the condition we can manage around it - making sure the vet prescribes meds that are not on the list or - if we need to use a medication that could cause an issue we can manage the dosing accordingly.

The tests should be run next Monday and we should have results next Friday, January 12th.  Fingers crossed they are negative...I will post again once we have results!


Drugs Affected by the MDR1 Gene Mutation:
Acepromazine
Butorphanol
Doramectin
Doxorubicin
Erythromycin
Ivermectin
Loperamide
Milbemycin
Moxidectin
Paclitaxel
Selamectin
Vinblastine
Vincristine