Common Drug May Be Toxic to Your Dog
Ivermectin, a common dewormer used in several species, can have toxic side effects to dogs, especially those that have a specific gene mutation, called the MDR-1 mutation. After a recent incident with my own dog as well as a sad case seen at our clinic I want to increase awareness of this potential health risk to your pet. I currently have a one year old, Australian Shepard, name Kallie. My plan was to avoid giving her any of the medication she could be sensitive to until I had her genetically tested. However, last week while I was at my mother’s house, helping her deworm her pet pigs, one of the pigs decided he did not like his ivermectin and jelly sandwich and pitched it out of his pen. Kallie promptly snatched it up. While I quickly pulled what I could out of her mouth, I knew she had ingested some of the ivermectin. The amount she had ingested would not have been a toxic dose for a normal dog, but potentially lethal to a dog with the MDR-1 gene mutation. Since I did not know her MDR-1 status, I was forced to treat her as if it was a toxic dose. Luckily with prompt treatment, Kallie came through the incident unharmed.
Does MDR-1 affect all breeds of dogs?
The most commonly affected breeds by this gene mutation include: Collie, Australian Shepherd, Long Haired whippet, McNab, and Silken Windhound. Other breeds that also carry the gene include German Shepherd, English Shepherd, Border Collie, and herding mixed breeds.
Is ivermectin the only drug of concern?
Dogs with the MDR-1 gene mutation are more sensitive to several medications, not just ivermectin. The most common adverse drug reactions involve ivermectin, milbemycin and other related anti-parasitic agents. Ivermectin is commonly used as an oral horse dewormer and a topical or injectable cattle dewormers. Ivermectin is also used in heartworm preventatives such as Heartgard, however this is a SAFE DOSE FOR ANY DOG! They are also prone to adverse reactions from the antidiarrheal agent loperamide (Imodium) and numerous chemotherapy agents.
How do I know if my dog carries MDR-1?
Genetic testing is available to determine if your pet carries the MDR-1 gene mutation through a simple cheek swab or blood test.
Please contact our office if you have any questions or are interested in testing your pet.
Does MDR-1 affect all breeds of dogs?
The most commonly affected breeds by this gene mutation include: Collie, Australian Shepherd, Long Haired whippet, McNab, and Silken Windhound. Other breeds that also carry the gene include German Shepherd, English Shepherd, Border Collie, and herding mixed breeds.
Is ivermectin the only drug of concern?
Dogs with the MDR-1 gene mutation are more sensitive to several medications, not just ivermectin. The most common adverse drug reactions involve ivermectin, milbemycin and other related anti-parasitic agents. Ivermectin is commonly used as an oral horse dewormer and a topical or injectable cattle dewormers. Ivermectin is also used in heartworm preventatives such as Heartgard, however this is a SAFE DOSE FOR ANY DOG! They are also prone to adverse reactions from the antidiarrheal agent loperamide (Imodium) and numerous chemotherapy agents.
How do I know if my dog carries MDR-1?
Genetic testing is available to determine if your pet carries the MDR-1 gene mutation through a simple cheek swab or blood test.
Please contact our office if you have any questions or are interested in testing your pet.
