Frequently Asked Questions
Can Collie crosses or other herding breed crosses carry the
mutant MDR1 gene and have an adverse reaction to a normal dose of drugs?
Yes, it is less likely in a mixed breed, but still possible. We have
found the mutant gene in a Saint Bernard mix that had an adverse drug
reaction. The veterinarian did note that each eye was a different color,
like some Australian Shepherds.
How old must a dog be before it can be tested?
A puppy can be tested as soon as it is weaned from its mother. Why do we
recommend waiting until the puppy is weaned? Since we sample the inside
of the dog's mouth, and milk can contain a few cells from the mother, it
is possible that the puppy's sample could contain enough of the dam's
DNA to generate a false result.
Can mixed breed dogs have the MDR mutation?
YES! We have found the MDR1 mutation in many mixed breed dogs - even
dogs that don't look like herding breed dogs. Mixed breed dogs should be
tested for the mutation before receiving anti-mange doses of ivermectin.
I have a mixed breed dog. Will the MDR1 test indicate what
breeds my dog is?
The MDR1 test will determine if your dog has the MDR1 mutation, which
predisposes dogs to many adverse drug reactions. It is true that the
MDR1 mutation has been identified only in herding breed dogs, so if
your dog tests positive for the MDR1 mutation, then it is highly likely
that your dog has an ancestor that is one of the herding breeds.
Why are affected dogs called "mutants"?
A gene is a section of DNA that is responsible for producing a
particular protein in the body. When a dog (or other organism) has a DNA
sequence that produces a defective protein, that animal is said to have
a mutation in that gene. Individual animals that have a mutation in a
particular gene are considered to have the mutant form of the gene.
Unfortunately, the word "mutant" in lay language often carries a
negative connotation.
What heartworm prevention products can I use if my dog has the
MDR1 mutation?
Fortunately, the dose of ivermectin, selamectin, milbemycin and
moxidectin in the commercial heartworm preparations are low enough to be
used safely even in dogs with the MDR1 mutation. It is only when the
drugs are used at high doses, such as those used to treat mange (50
times higher dose than the heartworm prevention dose), that dogs with
the mutation will develop neurological toxicity. Attempting to use large
animal formulations of these drugs is likely to cause neurological
toxicity because it is difficult to accurately measure
My dog has tested positive for the MDR1 mutation. Now that
Interceptor is no longer available, what heartworm preventive product
should I use for my dog?
Any of the monthly heartworm preventives (administered at the label
dose) can be used in dogs with the MDR1 mutation. We recommend avoiding
the 6-month or 12-month injectable products and we prefer the
single-ingredient products to the multiple ingredient products.
Can individuals outside the United States order a test kit?
Yes, we can run samples from any country except
Australia , New Zealand or European countries (including Britain). For
those countries, please see the links below. If you have questions
please contact us at
VCPL@vetmed.wsu.edu.
For individuals in Australia and New Zealand,
the exclusive licensee for MDR1 genotyping is The Gribbles Group,
and they may be contacted at
Dr Richard McCoy,
PhD
Head Scientist,
Molecular Diagnostics
Gribbles Veterinary Pathology
1868 Dandenong
Road
ClaytonVIC 3168
Australia
Phone: +61 3 9538 2241
Fax: +61 3 9538 6778
email:
rick.mccoy@healthscope.com.au
web:
http://www.gribblesvets.com.au/
The Veterinary Clinical Pharmacology Laboratory will test dogs
from all European countries
except: the United
Kingdom, Germany, France, Switzerland, Netherlands and Austria. For
individuals in the
United Kingdom, Germany, France,
Switzerland, Netherlands and Austria, the exclusive
licensee for MDR1 genotyping is Genetic Counseling Services, and
they may be contacted as listed below.
http://www.gencouns.nl
info@gencouns.nl
0252 532 284
Genetic Counseling Services
Weeresteinstraat 45
2182 GR Hillegom
The Netherlands
