Ashley's Aussies

This is quite a list but if you own or plan to own an aussie... I HIGHLY suggest you print off this list and keep it with you when you get vaccinations or your aussie needs any kind of medication, specifically heartworm and worming medicines.  Thousands and millions have died because their owners never knew...

These problem drugs are dispensed in many forms including pills, liquids, injections, and ointments. Check ALL drugs you are considering giving your dog against this list if your dog either carries the mutated gene or has not yet been tested for the gene.

MDR1 FACTS

Australian Shepherds, along with several other mostly collie-type breeds, can carry a genetic mutation that makes them sensitive to certain drugs. Use of those drugs can cause serious neurological illness or death.

Fortunately, there is an extremely accurate DNA test that will let you know whether your dog has this mutation through a simple cheek swab. 

What is MDR1?
MDR1 is the abbreviated name of a gene called Multi-Drug Resistance 1. A mutation of this gene causes sensitivity to Ivermectin and a number of other drugs. Dogs with the mutation will react to those drugs. Having two copies of the mutation will lead to drug reactions, but having a single copy can also confer some sensitivity with some drugs. Dogs with this mutation have a transport defect - the drug goes in to their brains, fails to be transported out, and builds up to toxic levels. This causes serious neurological problems including seizures and death.

Which drugs cause reactions?
Ivermectin, as found in heartworm medications, was the first drug recognized to cause a reaction, but it is far from the only one.  Large doses needed for worming will kill an aussie with this mdr1 gene mutation. Other commonly administered drugs on the list include acepromazine and Imodium.  Fortunately, there are alternative medications available if your dog requires treatment.

How common is the MDR1 mutation in Aussies?
32% of Standard Aussies and 49% of Mini-Aussies have at least one copy of the gene.

How do I know if my dog has the MDR1 mutation?
If your dog has already reacted to one of these drugs, it has the mutation. However, reactions can be so dangerous to your dog it is advisable to have the dog tested so you know whether it is sensitive before it receives any of the listed drugs.

What do the MDR1 test results mean?
This is a DNA mutation test. It will determine whether or not a dog has the MDR1 mutation and, if it does, whether it has one copy or two.

Dogs with even one copy of the mutation should be considered sensitive to listed drugs. If your dog carries the mutation, provide a copy of the test results and a copy of the listed drugs to every veterinarian who treats your dog and let them know your dog cannot have those drugs.

What dogs should be tested and how often?
Since this is a DNA test, a dog only needs to be tested once. Due to the high frequency of the mutation in the breed and the variety of drugs to which dogs with the mutation can react, all dogs, including rescues of unknown parentage and Aussie-mixes should be tested. Their lives could depend on it.

How do I get the test done?
For those in North America, The test is available through Washington State University. Information can be found on their website:
www.vetmed.wsu.edu/announcements/ivermectin/

Novantrone

Morphine

Analfin

Apokyn

Astramorph

Avinza

DepoDur

Doloral

Duralmor

Duramorph

Graten

Infumorph

Kadian

M-Eslon

MOS

MS Contin (MSC)

MSIR

Oramorph

RMS

Roxanol

Statex

Ondansetron

Zofran

Paclitaxel

Abraxane

Asotax

Bris Taxol

Onxol

Paclisan

Praxel

Taxol

Quinidine

Biquin

Chinidinum

Cin-Quin

Quinact

Quinaglute

Quinalan

Quinatime

Quinidex

Quinora

Rifampicin

IsonaRif

Rifadin

Rifamate

Rifampin

Rifater

Rimactane

RMS

Rofact

Roxanol

Drugs PROVEN to cause neurotoxicity:

Acepromazine (for tranquilizing, calming, and anesthesic uses)

Ace

Acepro

Aceproject

Acevet

ACP

Atravet

PromAce

Butorphanol (Coug Supressants)

Dolorex

Stadol

Torbugesic

Torbutrol

Torphajet

Cyclosporin

Atopica

Cicloral

Ciclosporin

Cyclosporine

Gengraf

Immulem

Modusik-A

Neoral

Optimmune

Restasis

Sandimmune

SangCya

Supremunn

Digoxin

Digibind

Digitalis

Lanoxicaps

Lanoxin

Mapluxin

Doxorubicin

Adriamycin

Adriblastina

Caelyx

Doxil

Doxolem

Doxotec

Hydroxydaunomycin

Hydroxydoxorubicin

Hydroxyldaunorubicin

Myocet

Oxicina

Rubex

Ivermectin

Abamectin

Acarexx

Advantage DUO

Avermectin

Bimectin

BMD/Ivomec

Ecomectin

Equell

Equimax

Equimectrin

Eqvalan

Heartguard

Ivercare

Ivercide

Iverhart

Iver-On

Iversol

Ivexterm

Ivomec

Mectizan

Megamectin

Noromectin

Panomec

Phoenectin

Primectin

Privermectin

SparMectin

Stromectol

Tri-Heart

Unimectrin

Virbamec

Zimecterin

Loperamide

Acanol

Acqta

Anti-Diarrheal
   Formula

Cryoperacid

Deroser

Diahalt

Diamode

Diarr-Eze

Diarrhea Relief

Hurplex

Imodium

Imogen

Imperim

Kao-Paverin

Lomotil

Lop

Loperacap

Nodiamex

Permidal

Pramidal

Raxamida

Rediarin

Top-Dal

Valfam

Vinblastine

Lemblastine

Velban

Velbe

Vincristine

Citomid

Leurocristine

Oncovin

Vinblax

Vincasar

Vincrex

Vintec

Medication Information received from www.busteralert.org . 

"Buster was a beautiful red merle Mini Aussie rescue dog who died because he carried the mdr1 genetic mutation.  Buster suffered neurotoxicity from a commonly prescribed drug. The 'Buster Alert' is his legacy. It has made us aware that many of our dogs are at risk and that we have to be responsible for learning how to protect them. None of us will ever forget Buster, and many of us will be forever grateful to him. Our perfect dog." 

~Marla McCormick, President             Mini Aussie Rescue & Support