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MDR1 Medication Sensitivity

The MDR1 gene variant causes a defect to a drug pumping protein that plays an important role in limiting drug absorption and distribution (particularly to the brain). Dogs with the MDR1 variant may have severe adverse reactions to some commonly used medications.

Found in

1 in 50 dogs

in our testing

Key Signs

Some medications may cause prolonged sedation, disorientation, blindness, tremors, seizures, coma, death

Age of Onset

At birth

Present at birth

Inheritance

Autosomal Dominant

For autosomal dominant disorders, dogs with one or two copies of the disease variant are at risk of developing the condition. Inheriting two copies of the risk variant may make the risk higher or the condition more severe. They may produce puppies affected with the disorder if bred.

Likelihood of the Condition

High likelihood

At risk dogs are highly likely to show signs of this disease in their lifetime.

What to Do

Here’s how to care for a dog with MDR1

Partner with your veterinarian to make a plan regarding your dog’s well-being, including any insights provided through genetic testing. If your pet is at risk or is showing signs of this disorder, then the first step is to speak with your veterinarian.

For Veterinarians

Here’s what a vet needs to know about MDR1

Dogs with this variant are asymptomatic until exposed to a medication that uses the drug transport pump rendered defective by the mutation in the MDR1 (also called ABCB1) gene. Medications known to use this P-glycoprotein pump are macrocyclic lactones (antiparasitic drugs), loperamide (antidiarrheal), erythromycin (antibiotic), acepromazine (tranquilizer), butorphanol (opioid), certain drugs used in cancer treatment (vincristine, vinblastine, and doxorubicin), and others. When these medications are administered, they accumulate in the brain which results in adverse reactions. Typical symptoms include tremors, loss of balance, seizures, obtundation, excessive salivation, dilated pupils, and bradycardia. If untreated, the condition may lead to respiratory arrest, coma or death. Because dogs with 1 copy of the variant will have some P-glycoprotein function, the most severe cases tend to occur in dogs that have 2 copies of the variant and, therefore, lack any functional P-glycoprotein pumps. However, the disorder can still be very severe in dogs that have only one copy of the mutation.

For dogs with the MDR1 variant, it is important to be aware of medications which may result in an adverse reaction. These include: Acepromazine, Afoxolaner, Apomorphine, Butorphanol, Cyclosporin, Doxorubicin, Doramectin, Emodepside, Erythromycin, Fluralaner, Grapiprant, Ivermectin, Loperamide, Maropitant, Milbemycin, Moxidectin, Ondansetron, Paclitaxel, Rifampin, Sarolaner, Selamectin, Vinblastine, Vincristine, Vinorelbine. It is best to explore alternative medications that will not use this P-glycoprotein pump or, at minimum, consider reduction of the dose to levels safe for an MDR1 positive dog. Please note, all FDA approved heartworm preventatives have undergone product safety testing at the label doses for dogs with one and two copies of the MDR1 variant, and none reported adverse effects at the labeled dose. However, if the antiparasitics are used at higher or more frequent dosing – such as to treat heartworm disease or ectopic parasites like sarcoptic mange – adverse effects can occur. Additionally, the combination of two or more of the listed medications can lead to adverse reactions even if the medications are tolerated when given alone.

For Breeders

Planning to breed a dog with this genetic variant?

There are many responsibilities to consider when breeding dogs. Regardless of test results it is important that your dog is in good general health and that you are in a position to care for the puppies if new responsible owners are not found. For first time or novice breeders, advice can be found at most kennel club websites.

This disorder is autosomal dominant meaning that only one copy of the variant is needed for associated signs to occur. For some breeds where the MDR1 mutation frequency is particularly high, breeders may consider mating pairs using dogs that have one or two copies of the MDR1 variant to maintain genetic diversity within their breed. It is important that resulting puppies be tested for the MDR1 variant to ensure safe future medical treatment. If a dog with one copy of the MDR1 variant is bred with a clear dog with no copies of the MDR1 variant, about half of the puppies will have one copy and half will have no copies of the MDR1 variant. If a dog with two copies of the MDR1 variant is bred with a clear dog, the resulting puppies will all have one copy of the variant. Please note: It is possible that clinical signs similar to the ones caused by the MDR1 variant could develop due to a different genetic or clinical cause.

Technical Details

Gene MDR1/ABCB1
Variant Deletion
Chromosome 14
Coordinate Start 13,726,599
Coordinate End 13,726,596

All coordinates reference CanFam3.1

We’ve spent the past 20+ years devoted to DNA. Our team of scientists and vets have spent decades developing the most accurate pet DNA test. Because every pet deserves to have their whole story told. We’ve collaborated with leading academic institutions, innovative research labs, and Banfield Pet Hospital™ to make our process exceptionally precise, fast, and affordable.

References & Credit

Credit to our scientific colleagues:

Mealey, K. L., Bentjen, S. A., Gay, J. M., & Cantor, G. H. (2001). Ivermectin sensitivity in collies is associated with a deletion mutation of the mdr1 gene. Pharmacogenetics, 11(8), 727–733. View the article