Multidrug Sensitivity (e.g. ivermectin)
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Some breeds of dogs are more sensitive to certain drugs compared to
other breeds. For example, Collies, Australian Shepherds and other
breeds are often more sensitive to the antiparasitic drug, ivermectin.
Test Your
Dog
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Why are some breeds more sensitive to the effects of drugs than other
breeds? Which drugs have been reported to cause problems? At Washington
State University's College of Veterinary Medicine you can get your dog
tested for drug sensitivity and keep up with the latest research.
The main sections of the VCPL web site are listed on the navigation menu at
your left. Click on a link to visit that section of the VCPL web. The
current page is highlighted in crimson.
It is well known that Collies and related breeds can have adverse reactions
to drugs such as ivermectin, loperamide (Imodium®), and others. It was
previously unknown why some individual dogs were sensitive and others were
not. Advances in molecular biology at the Veterinary Clinical Pharmacology
Laboratory at Washington State University's College of Veterinary Medicine
have led to the discovery of the cause of multi-drug sensitivity in affected
dogs. The problem is due to a mutation in the multi-drug resistance gene
(MDR1). This gene encodes a protein, P-glycoprotein, that is responsible for
pumping many drugs and other toxins out of the brain. Dogs with the mutant
gene can not pump some drugs out of the brain as a normal dog would, which
may result in abnormal neurologic signs. The result may be an illness
requiring an extended hospital stay--or even death.
A test has recently been developed at Washington State University to screen
for the presence of the mutant gene*. Instead of avoiding drugs such as
ivermectin in known susceptible breeds, veterinarians can now determine if a
dog is normal, in which case the drug can be administered or abnormal, in
which case an alternative treatment can be given.
Owners and breeders can submit samples for testing. All that is needed for
the test is a cheek brush sample that can be obtained by the owner and sent
by mail for analysis.
Affected Breeds
Approximately 3 of every 4 Collies in the United States have the mutant MDR1
gene. The frequency is about the same in France and Australia, so it is
likely that most Collies worldwide have the mutation. The MDR1 mutation has
also been found in Shetland Sheepdogs (Shelties). Australian Shepherds, Old
English Sheepdogs, German Shepherds, Long-haired Whippets, Silken Windhounds,
and a variety of mixed breed dogs.
The only way to know if an individual dog has the mutant MDR1 gene is to
have the dog tested. As more dogs are tested, more breeds will probably be
added to the list of affected breeds.
Test
Your Dog
News Stories
Video: Real Player
Windows Media Player (posted with
permission of WRAL)
Collie bloodlines turn up
surprising relatives from MSNBC News. Aug 3, 2004
Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine
Veterinary Clinical Pharmacology Laboratory
PO Box 609
Pullman, WA 99163-0609
Phone: 509-335-3745
FAX: 509-335-6309
VCPL@vetmed.wsu.edu
* PCR for this service is performed pursuant to an agreement with Roche
Molecular Systems, Inc. MDR1 testing covered by US patents 6,790,621 and
7,393,643. Foreign patents pending.
Keywords: ivermectin drug sensitivity multidrug toxicity collie test MDR1
P-glycoprotein
Last Edited: Sep 17, 2008 1:22 PM
