Aussies and MDR1

When considering the purchase of an Aussie, its important to understand one important part of the breed. We strive to breed only healthy Aussies that are free from genetic diseases common to the breed, and send your new puppy home with you for a long, happy, healthy life! Common to the Aussie breed, as well as most herding types, is a genetic mutation known as Multi-Drug Resistance 1, or MDR1. As much as 50% of the Aussie breed carries this mutation. This gene causes a sensitivity to multiple drugs. It is important to understand that MDR1 is NOT a disease. This is the reason breeders have not eliminated MDR1 carrying dogs from their breeding lines. It is an entirely man-made issue. None of the dogs carrying this mutation would ever have showed its affects without first being treated by one of the offending drugs. It will in no way harm your dog unless he or she is treated with one of the drugs known to cause reactions. These drugs include: (ivermectin, milbemycin and related drugs), the antidiarrheal agent loperamide (Imodium), and several anticancer drugs (vincristine, doxorubicin, others). Ivermectin is the most commonly used drug, mostly for heartworm preventative. It is generally safe in the reccomended dosages, HOWEVER: Horse owners and neighbors of horse owners, beware.......... If your canine assistant laps up some of your horse’s paste dewormer or eats the manure of a horse who has been recently dewormed, he could temporarily or permanently lose his eyesight or even die, depending on the amount ingested. Please be aware that one or both of your puppies parents carries the MDR1 gene. Therefore it is important that you inform your veterinarian of this on your puppies first check-up. Some vets are not completely aware of the severity in these cases, or of which drugs cause a reaction, so please confirm their knowledge on the facts. Even a dog with only one copy, or NO copies of the gene can be affected, however, a dog with two copies is more likely to be severely affected. Ashgi.org has more detailed information on the subject. Please make it your goal to read up on this mutation and be prepared to question any medications your vet may prescribe. If you wish to know for certain if your puppy carries the gene, a relatively inexpensive test is available at PawPrintGenetics.com, CanineHealthCheck.com, and VetGen.com, as well as other websites. A simple cheek swab, drop it in the mail, and you are done. No need to go to the vet.

This is NOT an exhaustive list. Please do your own research, and question your vet thoroughly on any medication prescribed.

• Abamectin • Acepromazine • Actinomycin D • Aldosterone • Amitriptyline • Butorphanol • Cortisol • Cyclosporine • Dexamethasone • Digoxin • Diltiazem • Docetaxel • Domperidone • Ketoconazole • Doxorubicin • Doxycycline • Erythromycin • Etoposide • Itraconazole • Ivermectin (antiparasitic) • Levofloxacin • Loperamide (Immodium) • Methylprednisolone • Milbemycin (Trifexis) • Morphine • Moxidectin • Ondansetron • Paclitaxel • Selamectin • Sparfloxacin • Tacrolimus • Talinolol • Terfendadine • Tetracycline • Vecuronium • Verapamil • Vinblastine • Vincristine