Are Beagles prone to the MDR1 gene mutation like herding dogs?

Hello and thank you for posting your question on Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Genetics for hair or coat color and the gene for MDRI are not known to be linked. The mutation is commonly seen in herding breed dogs and can be tested for through a blood sample or cheek swab that is available through most veterinary clinics. This is the only definitive way to know if your dog has the gene mutation. I hope this has helped and best wishes to you!

This supplement has no concern with a dog that has a MDR1 gene mutation. There are no safety concerns with glucosamine, or the other ingredients in this product, so no worries about giving it with her condition. For more information about this condition I recommend you read the article at the following link: https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/multidrug-resistance-mutation-mdr1 I hope that helps and all is well with Lovey.

MDR1 genes (even with the asterisk) are the same. The test that is performed is determining if Tasha has the MDR1 gene from both mother and father (mutant/mutant), MDR1 gene from one parent (normal/mutant) or does not have the MDR1 gene at all (normal/normal). I do not know what the asterisk is indicating. This website has a lot of great information about MDR1 genes: http://vcpl.vetmed.wsu.edu

MDR1 can be tested very easily by most veterinary laboratories, you will need to take Morty to the vet, they will take a blood sample then they will send it to the lab, within 3-4 days you should get an answer.

Hello. It is important to know with Border Collies, and other Collie mixes in particular, whether they are MDR1 normal or not to ensure you use the proper products on Tasha. You can just assume she has an abnormal gene and get products that are safe for an abnormal gene. However, if the clinic is still practicing where you took Tasha before, you should be able to get her records, as records should be kept for 5 years and Tasha is only 4 years old, so you can try to call the vet and get these records. You can also try discussing with your vet about which lab the test would have been sent to, as the lab that ran the test may have a record of it as well. You can, of course, get her tested again as well. These are all options. Good luck with Tasha.

Hello and thank you for reaching out to Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. This is a good question, especially with some Australian Shepherds having a mutation of their MDR-1 gene. Fortunately, Heartgard is safe to use in these breeds for the prevention of heartworms. The amount of ivermectin contained within a monthly dose is not harmful/toxic to dogs even with the MDR-1 mutation. I would be careful to ensure that Josie does not accidentally ingest multiple months-worth of doses, as this cumulative dose could potentially be toxic to her. As far as topical flea and tick preventatives go, brands such as Frontline and K9 Advantix are also safe to use in these breeds. I hope this is helpful!

Technically, all heartworm preventatives (even those with ivermectin) are safe in dogs with an MDR1 gene mutation since the effective dose of medication in heartworm is significantly lower than that which would cause neurotoxicity. However, most vets will preferentially choose selamectin (Revolution) or milbemycin (Interceptor) based products for MDR1 mutant dogs over ivermectin (Heartgard) based products. If Tasha has historically been very sensitive to heartworm preventatives, I would advise giving her flea/tick prevention and heartworm prevention 2 weeks apart rather than simultaneously. Your vet will be able to perform a blood test for heartworm disease prior to starting Tasha on a heartworm preventative, as all are prescription based.