MDR1: The MDR1 (multidrug resistance 1) gene mutation causes a change in an important protective molecule called p-glycoprotein, which helps to eliminate medications and other toxic compounds from the dog’s body and prevents these medications from going places they shouldn’t, such as the brain.
Dogs with a mutation of the MDR1 gene are more likely to have serious side effects from certain classes of medication, namely Ivermectin, Imodium and other heartworm type medications as well as improper dosage of anesthesia.
While there is DNA testing to determine if a dog carries this mutation, the testing has proved insufficient. Dogs testing clear of the mutation are still showing classic reactions to the list of medications that should be avoided in all herding type breeds. This leads us to believe that the mutation is probably polygenic and as yet we don’t have the complete sequence to test for.
While the issue seems pretty daunting the solution is simple. Insist that your vet uses MDR1 protocol when treating your dog for heartworm, or any other parasitic type medications. Insist that your vet begins with a lower dosage of anesthesia.
I highly recommend Sentinel or Interceptor for heartworm and Frontline topical for fleas and ticks
Vaccinations: Is your new puppy vaccinated? Well… yes and no. The series of vaccine that is administered here is for the prevention of the deadly parvo and distemper virus along with 2 types of upper respiratory viruses.
It’s a common misconception that each vaccine we give in this series has an adding effect of immunity. This is simply not true. The puppies are born and thrive with maternal immunity. As the maternal immunity wears off, we are vaccinating to give the puppy a man-made immunity. The question becomes “when does the actual maternal immunity diminish?” The answer: anytime between 6 weeks and 16 weeks. Most vaccines given while the pup has maternal immunity are rendered useless. Therefore, we are basically throwing darts at a dartboard until the final vaccine at 16 weeks. This is why puppy classes and boarding facilities won’t take a pup in their environment until 16 weeks. It is also recommended that you keep your pup from heavy dog traffic areas like parks and pet stores until they have had their 16 week vaccine.
I use only Vanguard vaccines. The vanguard vaccine that was used on your puppy is one of the very few choices that actually begins to work within the maternal immunity. Additionally, I have never had a vaccine reaction (lethargy, diarrhea, vomiting) using this brand. The vaccine is more expensive and for that reason most vets don’t use it. Sad but true. For me, there is no better choice than a product that has worked 100% of the time.
When taking your puppy for vet visits, I recommend you follow my example. Schedule your appointment far enough in advance to get the first appointment of the day. Vet offices just like hospitals are where the sick animals go. The first appointment of the day is after the office has been cleaned and sanitized the night before.
Dogs with a mutation of the MDR1 gene are more likely to have serious side effects from certain classes of medication, namely Ivermectin, Imodium and other heartworm type medications as well as improper dosage of anesthesia.
While there is DNA testing to determine if a dog carries this mutation, the testing has proved insufficient. Dogs testing clear of the mutation are still showing classic reactions to the list of medications that should be avoided in all herding type breeds. This leads us to believe that the mutation is probably polygenic and as yet we don’t have the complete sequence to test for.
While the issue seems pretty daunting the solution is simple. Insist that your vet uses MDR1 protocol when treating your dog for heartworm, or any other parasitic type medications. Insist that your vet begins with a lower dosage of anesthesia.
I highly recommend Sentinel or Interceptor for heartworm and Frontline topical for fleas and ticks
Vaccinations: Is your new puppy vaccinated? Well… yes and no. The series of vaccine that is administered here is for the prevention of the deadly parvo and distemper virus along with 2 types of upper respiratory viruses.
It’s a common misconception that each vaccine we give in this series has an adding effect of immunity. This is simply not true. The puppies are born and thrive with maternal immunity. As the maternal immunity wears off, we are vaccinating to give the puppy a man-made immunity. The question becomes “when does the actual maternal immunity diminish?” The answer: anytime between 6 weeks and 16 weeks. Most vaccines given while the pup has maternal immunity are rendered useless. Therefore, we are basically throwing darts at a dartboard until the final vaccine at 16 weeks. This is why puppy classes and boarding facilities won’t take a pup in their environment until 16 weeks. It is also recommended that you keep your pup from heavy dog traffic areas like parks and pet stores until they have had their 16 week vaccine.
I use only Vanguard vaccines. The vanguard vaccine that was used on your puppy is one of the very few choices that actually begins to work within the maternal immunity. Additionally, I have never had a vaccine reaction (lethargy, diarrhea, vomiting) using this brand. The vaccine is more expensive and for that reason most vets don’t use it. Sad but true. For me, there is no better choice than a product that has worked 100% of the time.
When taking your puppy for vet visits, I recommend you follow my example. Schedule your appointment far enough in advance to get the first appointment of the day. Vet offices just like hospitals are where the sick animals go. The first appointment of the day is after the office has been cleaned and sanitized the night before.