Home
Multidrug Sensitivity in Dogs
Many herding breed dogs have a genetic predisposition to adverse drug reactions involving over a dozen different drugs. The most serious adverse drug reactions involve several antiparasitic agents (ivermectin, milbemycin and related drugs), the antidiarrheal agent loperamide (Imodium), and several anticancer drugs (vincristine, doxorubicin, others). These drug sensitivities result from a mutation in the multidrug resistance gene (MDR1 gene). At Washington State University's College of Veterinary Medicine you can test your dog for multidrug sensitivity and prevent serious adverse drug reactions. We can work with your dog’s veterinarian to find appropriate drug doses or alternative drugs for your dog based on results of MDR1 testing.
The Partnership for Preventive Healthcare, is an initiative jointly sponsored by the American Animal Hospital Association and the American Veterinary Medical Association. Together the two associations offer a set of Canine and Feline Preventive Healthcare Guidelines. One of the important recommendations is that dog owners use genetic testing—like the MDR1 test —as part of an overall healthcare plan for their pets.
VCPL News
-
April 3, 2018
Wheelchair-bound Tom Stark falls over unconscious while crossing the street with his service dog Hoover, an English Shepherd. After being rushed to the hospital, the staff believes Stark may have picked up a parasitic worm while traveling abroad and prescribes him an antiparastic drug. Sadly, before Stark can take the meds, Hoover, with his pale brown “eyebrows” and white paws, eats the handful of the pills and dies. Upon reflection, Dr. House notes, “Dogs with the MDR1 gene can die from certain antiparastic drugs.”WSU Foundation
- December 13, 2016 Read More
- January 4, 2013 Read More