10/09/2025
🚨🚨🚨ANNOUNCEMENT🚨🚨🚨
We have tested for the infamous MDR1 gene in the past however its become clear through science and stories of personal experience/losses that this particular gene is NOT the answer to the fatal sensitivities experienced by Aussies to certain drugs. Aussies that are tested clear for the mutant/at risk MDR1 gene are still DYING from drug overdoses! This "clear testing" is giving owners and veterinarians a false sense of security when it comes to medical decisions. Over all it appears to be a breed related, but very manageable condition when taken into consideration. Therefore from this point on we will not be concerning ourselves with MDR1 testing in regards to breeding. We will be recommending all of our puppies (and any Aussie) be treated as MDR1 AFFECTED/AT RISK no matter what their genetic status says. This way no mistakes or assumptions are made that risk the life of your puppy. Below are a list of high risk medications that should be off limits for your Aussie. We will be sending a copy home with all of our families from now on.
Some theories for this sensitivity are related to a more permeable blood brain barrier in relation to other breeds or they could be having trouble ridding their body of the medications so it builds up to a toxic level over time. This could be why some are fine and then one day die after the dose of medication is administered. It could also be like some people and alcohol, they need much less of the medication to be affected and a "normal dose" for their weight is actually an overdose. There are many safe, common alternatives to the listed medications and therefore your Aussie can live a perfectly normal life provided those alternatives are used.
At any rate the genetic testing in regards to MDR1 appears to be doing more harm than good. We will no longer be using this marker in breeding decisions as it doesn't appear to give any useful information in regards to "preventing" the sensitivities and worse is putting Aussie at lives at risk due to false sense of security of having a "clear" Aussie puppy. We will be doubling down on awareness and arming our families with knowledge to help them make the best decisions for their Aussie family members going forward. We remain committed to genetic testing as a tool to produce the healthiest puppies possible but we will also heavily research to make sure we are making the absolute best use of those tools. This is one way we are doing just that. Please review the list and feel free to copy it for future reference.
(Post originally written by: Driftless Australian Shepherds)
