Multidrug Resistance 1 (MDR1)

Short Version:

MDR1 is a gene that causes a dangerous sensitivity to some commonly used medications such as Ivermectin. Ivermectin is found in commonly used medications such as Heartgard. About 50% of Australian Shepherds are affected by MDR1.

Longer more detailed version:

MDR1 is a gene responsible for the production of a protein, P-glycoprotein (P-GP). P-GP is a drug efflux pump that aids in controlling drug absorption and distribution specifically in the brain. This causes increased levels of the medications inside the cells.

Imagine a partially clogged drain; when you run water into the sink, the water will build up in the sink similar to the way the medications do in a cells of an MDR1 affected animal.

Sensitivity to (not limited to):

Acepromazine - prescription tranquilizer
Butorphanol - pain control
Cyclosporin - immunosuppressive agent
Digoxin - used to treat congestive heart failure
Doxorubicin – Cancer treatment
Doramectin - anti-parasitic medication
Emodepside - anti-parasitic medication
Erythromycin - antibiotic used to treat diarrhea, skin infections and prostate infections
Ivermectin - Found in many anti-parasitic medications such as wormers.
Loperamide – Found in many anti-diarrhea medications such as Imodium.
Milbemycin - used for treatment and prevention of heartworm
Moxidectin - anti-parasitic medication
Paclitaxel - chemotherapy drug
Rifampin - used to treat many bacterial infections
Selamectin - anti-parasitic medication
Vinblastine – Cancer treatment
Vincristine – Cancer treatment

What We Feed Our Dogs

Where To Buy

"Sensitive Period"

Why is it so important to keep puppies with their mom and litter mates until a minimum of 8 weeks?
How often do you see breeders offering puppies ready to go at 5, 6 or 7 weeks? They say "Well they are eating on their own so they are ready to go". The importance of keeping puppies together and with their mom for 8-12 wks has nothing to do with when they are able to eat soft/solid food.

There is evidence certain behavior tendencies in dogs -- anxiety, fearfulness, noise phobia, aggression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, for example – have a genetic component.
However, researchers and experts in the field of canine behavior believe it is a combination of genetics, environment and experience (nature and nurture) that contributes most significantly to behavioral development.
We know for a fact puppies pass through a sensitive stage during which it is critically important they be well socialized to other dogs, humans, and a wide variety of stimuli in their environment.
During this important period, generally agreed to be from around 2½ to 3 weeks through 12 to 14 weeks, a puppy's brain is primed to accept new experiences with minimal fear. The experiences the pup has during this sensitive time actually have the capacity to modify the brain. What your puppy experiences (or doesn't experience) during this stage of development has a profound impact on his adult character, temperament and behavior.
Since part of a pup's socialization is learning appropriate dog-to-dog interaction, it is in the best interests of puppies to remain with the mother and littermates until they are at least 8 to 8½ weeks old.

Research suggests many of the social and behavioral problems seen in adult dogs have their roots in too-early separation from the litter.

Behaviors like: Aversion to strangers, Toy possessiveness, Stranger aggression, Paw licking, Excessive barking, Food possessiveness, Owner aggression, Fear during walks, Reactivity to noises & House soiling just to name a few.

-Monica Hollingsworth