[Enchanted Gypsy]

Recent studies have discovered the link between a mutated gene and fatalities in some dogs. The defective gene MDR1 primarily occurs in: herding breeds (including but not limited to: Australian Shepherds, Collies, German Shepherds, Shetland Sheepdogs, ect); Silken Windhounds; Longhaired Whippets; and mixed breed dogs including any of these breeds. A test is available to determine if a dog is MDR1 "normal", a "carrier", or "affected". "Normal" status indicates the dog will not have reactions to normal ingestion of "problem" drugs & will not pass the defective gene onto offspring. "Carrier" status indicates the dog may pass the defective gene onto offspring, and can exhibit mild to severe reactions to "problem" drugs. "Affected" status indicates the dog will always pass the defective gene onto offspring, and will suffer a fatal reaction if "problem" drugs are ingested.

MDR1 sensitivity actually indicates a weak membrane inside the dog's brain. If an individual dog possesses this sensitivity and ingests a "problem" drug, this weak membrane ruptures causing brain hemorraging and a quick death.

The primary "problem" drug is Ivermectin which is included in many types of livestock and companion animal worming medications. At home, the biggest risk is the anti-diarrhea drug Imodium. Other risks include:

Ivermectin
Loperamide
Doxorubicin
Vincristine
Vinblastine
Cyclosporin
Digoxin
Acepromazine
Butorphanol
Ondansetron
Domperidone
Paclitaxel
Mitoxantrone
Etoposide
Rifampicin
Quinidine
Morphine
Metranidizole (Flagyl)
Theophylline

These "problem" drugs can exist in pharmacuetical drugs, household drugs, lawn chemicals, among others.