Canine Multidrug Sensitivity

Bungee - MDR1 GENE: normal


A New DNA Test for Dogs
I'm going a bit out of the norm on this one to share about a new DNA test that could save a dog's life.

Our vet told us in mid-December this new test for multi-drug sensitivity in dogs had just been released and was available to Canadians. We were thrilled to hear this news.

We had Bungee promptly tested, her result was normal, registered with the HealthGene DNA Bank, and a Certificate of Registration issued.

What this is about is some dog breeds are more sensitive to certain drugs than other breeds. Drugs such as some types of anesthesia, Ivermectin (heartworm medication), to name only two from the list, are dangerous for affected dogs. Unfortunately, the consequences are often fatal.

A simple blood test can tell if your dog is at risk or not. Our cost for the testing was about $75.00, (prices listed on HG website), and the results were returned to our vet in about a week.

Collie-type breeds and dogs with white in their coats have long been suspect, and so it has always been a bit of a gamble to give certain drugs to these dogs.

My own vet, told me when we were drawing blood on Bungee that they recently had one affected dog in hospital, without white in it's coat, in no way typical to the "collie-type" breed. The dog did not survive and was tested post-mortem. It was found to have been carrying the mutated gene, with cause of death, drug sensitivity. It was unheard of in that breed, but the lesson is clear, genes do "get around".

Border Collies are not yet listed on their list of "official" breeds which some find odd. However the test is new.

To learn more click on the name: HealthGene.
I will also keep HealthGene listed in my links section.
They offer many other DNA tests.

~In loving memory of the marvelous "Eddie" Hastings~ ~Forever in our hearts.~


I am not affiliated with HealthGene in any way. I share this information strictly on behalf of the dogs and the people who love & share their lives with them.