What is it?
The MDR1 gene defect is a hereditary disease that leads to drug hypersensitivity. The MDR1 gene defect is a defect in the MDR1 gene that can occur in some dog breeds and also in humans. It is suspected that the cause of the defect in dogs is a single animal that played a key role in establishing the Collie breed around the time of the 19th century. This genetic defect is therefore also occurring more frequently today in dogs that belong to the herding dog breed or that carry it genetically.
This genetic disease leads to a deficient or lacking synthesis of a certain protein (P-glycoprotein), which is an important component of the blood-brain barrier. The so-called MDR1 transporter forms a protective barrier for the brain at this boundary between the brain blood vessels and the cranial nerve tissue. The transporter is located as part of the blood-brain barrier on the surface of the endothelial cells (cells that line the walls of the blood vessels).
It protects the brain from toxins and drugs. In an animal with an MDR1 defect, the transporter is missing and protection is absent. As a result, severe brain and nerve damage can occur after the administration of certain substances, which can lead to death.
Which breeds are affected?
The MDR1 gene defect primarily affects herding dogs such as Collies, Border Collies, Australian Shepherds, Shetland Sheepdogs.
3 genotypes
The first possibility is that the MDR1 is (+/+), which means the animal is free of the defect and can produce the necessary protein just like any other breed. All substances can be administered here. The second possibility is that the animal has the MDR1 (+/-) genotype, meaning it was inherited heterozygous (one of two alleles is affected). The defect was only inherited from one parent and can be passed on. Side effects may occur when taking unwanted medication, but this is not inevitable. Dogs with this possibility should be treated like dogs that are MDR1 (-/-).
The third possibility is that the MDR1 is (-/-), which means the animal is homozygous for the defect (both alleles are defective). A functional MDR1 transport system is missing. The defect was inherited from both parents and will certainly be passed on. Certain substances must be avoided during therapy.
How can I determine whether my animal is affected?
Externally, affected dogs cannot be distinguished from healthy ones. In order to find out whether a dog is a carrier of the genetic defect, a genetic test must be carried out in a special laboratory. For this purpose, approximately 1 ml of blood is taken from the dog once.
What happens with such a genetic defect?
Since the protective mechanism for the blood-brain barrier is missing in an MDR1 genetic defect, these substances can enter the nervous system and accumulate there. The result is severe symptoms of poisoning, which can lead to death. Dogs with an MDR1 genetic defect can suffer side effects (depending on the active ingredient, from harmless to life-threatening) from many different active ingredients in medications even at normal doses, i.e. what is actually supposed to help can torment them and sometimes poison them fatally. Symptoms can include vomiting, disorientation, movement disorders, tremors, increased panting, unusual behavior (e.g. stress), etc.
Which substances are affected?
The intolerance affects both everyday medications prescribed by a veterinarian, such as certain antiparasitics (worming treatments, flea and tick repellents) or gastrointestinal medications, as well as certain antibiotics, heart medications, painkillers, anesthetic/sedative and emergency medications, and chemotherapy drugs, which are generally completely unproblematic for healthy dogs. Dogs should also be careful not to ingest horse manure when walking, as the horses could have been treated with an antiparasitic drug. The amount excreted here could trigger intolerance in a dog with the MDR1 gene defect.
Is CBD one of these substances?
CBD can also pass through the blood-brain barrier. It is suspected that it can cause severe brain poisoning in dogs with the genetic defect. However, more precise details are not yet known, as appropriate studies are still lacking. Therefore, you should refrain from administering CBD oil if you know or suspect that you have an MDR1 genetic defect.
What should I take instead?
CBD is often used by pet owners to calm down or relieve pain. Alternative to the effects of CBD: Joint support ArthroGreen Classic (item no. 285) is ideal for preventing diseases that affect the musculoskeletal system. ArthroGreen plus (item no. 554) is characterized by an additional portion of willow bark, which is said to have a pain-relieving effect in naturopathy.
Calming
In order to provide long-term support to stressed dogs in everyday life, the nerve food (item no. 358) was designed from plants with a calming healing effect. Bach flowers are a popular remedy for dealing with fear, inner restlessness, stress and other negative mental states. (Bach flowers S.O.S item no. 4166) Calma (item no. 2032) ensures relaxation in acute stress situations.
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