What is MDR1?   Its is a gene mutation that does not allow drugs to be cleared out of the brain as it would
            be in the case of a dog that does not carry this mutation.  This gene is involved with the blood-brain
            barrier.   Normally it functions in a protective way to remove drugs and toxins from the brain.
            Dogs without this protective gene may suffer from abnormal nuerological distress that can cause death
            and/or extended hospital treatment.

What are the symptoms? Excessive salivation, blindness, coma, respiratory distress,
           ataxia (the loss of muscle co-ordination) and death.

 
There is a DNA test available for this mutation.
          It is called the MDR1 Test, and can be done by taking a cheek swab from your dog, at home.
          The cost of this test is $60.00.  Your vet can also do this for you if you give him the information,
          or take the test kit in with you.  The test sample is sent to the university by regular mail.

All Collies do not carry this gene, and some test normal for this condition.

                                Click below to order a test kit & read more information.  The kit is free.
                              
WASHINGTON STATE UNIVERSTITY TEST KIT & ORDER INFORMATION
 
   As you see below this gene does not affect only Collies, and more breeds and more drugs will
  probably be added to this list in the future, and we learn more and more.
 
  Collies, as well as Shetland Sheepdogs, Australian Shepherds, German Shepehrds, Old English Sheepdogs
  Border Collies and other breeds, as well as mixes may react to the drugs below.

 Problem drugs:

                                        ACEPROMAZINE,  tranquilizer
                                        BUTORPHANOL,  pain reliever
                                        CYCLOSPORIN,  immunosuppressive drug
                                        DIGOXIN,  heart drug
                                        DOXORUBICIN,  cancer drug
                                        IVERMECTIN,  a wormer
                                        LOPERAMIDE - Imodim,  an over-the-counter anti-diarheal
                                        VINBLASTINE,  cancer drug
                                        VINCRISTINE,  cancer drug

Drugs that may be potential problem drugs:
   
                                        DOMPERIDONE
                                        ETOPOSIDE
                                        MITOXATRONE
                                        MORPHINE
                                        ONDANSETRON
                                        PACLITAXEL
                                        QUINIDINE
                                        RIFAMPICIN
You can also
help by reporting
any drug reaction
your dog has,
no matter what
breed, to the
university.

Researchers
suspect that
many other breeds
and many other
drugs will
be added to the
lists as more
research is done.
Drug Sensitivy in Collies
You may want to do on your Collie, whether a
showdog or not, because it will determine if your dog
is sensitive to certain commonly used drugs that are
causing mild to lethal reactions in many dogs today