Bella inherited both copies of the variant we tested for MDR1 Drug Sensitivity
Bella is at increased risk for MDR1
Bella has two copies of a variant at the ABCB1 gene and is at risk for having adverse reactions to certain drugs. Please inform your veterinarian immediately, as the dosages for a wide variety of drugs may need to be reduced (or those drugs avoided entirely) in Bella. When Bella is sick, your vet should determine which drugs to use and in what quantities based on Bella's diagnosis, this MDR1 information, and other factors.
Sensitivity to certain classes of drugs, notably the parasiticide ivermectin, as well as certain gastroprotectant and anti-cancer medications, occurs in dogs with a mutation in the ABCB1 gene.
Symptoms arise after a dog has received an MDR1 problem drug or dosage, and can range from vomiting and diarrhea to lethargy, seizures, or coma.
MDR1 often presents in young adulthood, only because this is most commonly when a dog is first exposed to a problem drug like high dose ivermectin or acepromazine.
This is usually a retroactive diagnosis after a dog has an adverse reaction to a problem drug--however, genetic testing could help you avoid a first reaction altogether.
MDR1 is perfectly avoidable simply by avoiding the problem drugs, or problem dosages.
- Talk to your vet about your dog’s MDR1 result and share Washington State University’s list of potential problem drugs.
- Monitor your dog in areas with horses or livestock, as ivermectin and similar problem drugs are often stored or used in these locations.
- Prevent your dog from eating livestock feces, which can contain harmful levels of certain problem drugs.