How can I get my dog tested for the MDR1 genetic mutation?

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!

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.

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

Hello and thank you for your post again on Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! The MDR1 mutation is not commonly found in Beagles. Herding breeds or breeds her herding descent are the most effected. All other breeds, have a less than 5% chance of carrying the mutation. I hope this has helped! 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.

I am not 100% sure what you are referring to but I am guessing DM (degenerative myelopathy). Is that correct? Yes, there is DNA testing available to see which dogs carry the gene for this disease. If two dogs bred together that both have this autosomal recessive gene then the chance of the offspring developing the disease is 1 in 4. Some dogs carry the gene but never develop symptoms. All animals should ideally be tested prior to purchase and breeding. The problem is that most breeders do not do the testing. If you buy another GSD you should only buy from a breeder that has done the testing. Hope this answers your question. Best wishes.

One lab I researched charges about $100 for the test. This cost may vary depending on the lab used. Your vet may also charge a fee for an exam, blood draw and shipping. Follow the link for the lab I researched. http://vetneuromuscular.ucsd.edu/forms.html