A defect in the MDR1 gene is now inherited within many dog and cat breeds. Affected animals are very sensitive to certain medications. This can lead to severe poisoning and even death. Genetic testing is strongly recommended for certain breeds.
The MDR1 transporter (multidrug resistance transporter) is a transport protein that protects the body from toxic foreign substances. It acts as a kind of gatekeeper in the brain and nervous system by actively transporting certain drugs and environmental toxins back into the bloodstream. The MDR1 transporter also plays a role in the absorption of drugs in the intestine and their excretion via the liver and kidneys.
A mutation (change in genetic material) in the MDR1 gene causes the MDR1 transporter to lose its function. It can then no longer perform its protective function adequately. As a result, certain substances accumulate in the body and increasingly enter the brain and nervous system. This leads to severe symptoms of poisoning.
If your pet has an MDR1 defect, some medications must not be used at all, and many others must be used with extreme caution and in reduced doses. This can make veterinary care difficult in some cases.
Many medications for parasites such as fleas, lice, mites, ticks, and worms (antiparasitics), especially those from the avermectin group of active ingredients, as well as the diarrhea medication loperamide, must not be used under any circumstances.
Many other medications may only be used with caution:
In isolated cases, increased side effects also occur with drugs that do not belong to these classes of active substances.
The breeds most affected are herding dogs such as Collies, Australian and English Shepherds, Shelties, Bobtails, White, Swiss and German Shepherds, Wällers, McNabs, but also greyhounds such as the Longhaired Whippet, Silken Windhound and crossbreeds of all these breeds.
The MDR1 defect has also been detected in the following cat breeds: Maine Coon, Siamese, Ragdoll, Russian Blue, Balinese, Turkish Angora, and mixed breeds of these breeds.
After being given the relevant medication, affected animals show severe signs of poisoning, including death:
Targeted treatment is often not possible. Only treatment for poisoning can be administered. The prognosis is often poor, depending on the severity of the symptoms.
If you own a breed that is frequently affected or a mixed breed with unknown origins, it is advisable to have a genetic test for the MDR1 defect carried out at your veterinary practice. This can be done when your pet is still a puppy, either via a blood test or a mucosal swab from the oral cavity.
If your pet has an MDR1 defect, be sure to inform every veterinarian before treatment. Instead of regular deworming, regular fecal examinations for worms are recommended. This way, you only need to deworm when necessary.
If your dog has contact with horses, make sure that it does not eat horse manure. This can contain extremely high doses of antiparasitic agents, especially if the horses have recently been dewormed. Licking another animal that has been treated with antiparasitic agents also poses a risk.
Animals with MDR1 defects should be consistently excluded from breeding in order to eliminate the genetic defect in the long term.
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