Health Topics

MDR1 Litter testing

If I test one puppy in a litter for the MDR1 genotype do I need to test other puppies?
If I know the MDR1 genotype of the parents, do I need to test the puppies?

Two black and white Border Collie puppies licking each other on the face.

Dog breeds at risk of delayed postoperative hemorrhage

Delayed postoperative hemorrhage (DEPOH), a potentially deadly disorder that causes excessive bleeding and bruising in the hours and days following surgical procedures, has been shown to be quite common in greyhounds, Irish wolfhounds, and other sighthounds. Recent research at WSU has also found many popular breeds have a mutation in the DEPOH gene, which has […]

Sideview of Deerhound with tongue out.

MDR1 test pricing

Why choose WSU for MDR1 testing Cats and dogs with a mutation in what is known as the MDR1 (multidrug resistance 1) gene can have severe adverse reactions to many common medications, including those frequently used to treat and prevent parasites like heartworms. Fortunately, Washington State University offers accurate genetic testing to determine if your […]

MDR1 testing

What you need to know about MDR1 testing Some dogs – including as many as 75% of specific herding breeds – and around 4% of all cats have a dangerous mutation in what is known as the MDR1 (multidrug resistance 1) gene, which, if undetected, can lead to severe adverse reactions to many common medications. […]

Problem medications for cats

Since the feline MDR1 mutation was more recently discovered than the canine MDR1 mutation there has been less research on the topic. The WSU PrIMe research team is working to determine if other drugs commonly used for treating cats are substrates for feline P-glycoprotein (i.e., have the potential to cause toxicity in cats with the […]

Close up image of grey tabby cat with white on it's chin, neck and front paws.

Discoveries, innovations by WSU veterinarian saves countless animals

During her more than two decades at Washington State University, Regents Professor Dr. Katrina Mealey has become a pioneer in veterinary pharmacogenetics and made countless contributions to veterinary medicine, most notably the discovery of a mutation in the MDR1 gene in dogs and cats that can lead to deadly reactions to common medications. The discoveries […]

Dr. Katrina Mealey examining a Jack Russell Terrier.

Problem medications for dogs

Learn what medications may be dangerous for your dog with the MDRI genetic mutation. Dogs with the MDR1 genetic mutation can become very ill or die if given certain medications. WSU is the leader in identifying drugs that may be dangerous for dogs with the MDR1 mutation and can identify alternative medications and doses. Once WSU has determined your dog’s […]

Australian Sheppard running through water.

Is your pet at risk of an adverse reaction to common drugs?

What is multidrug sensitivity? Some dogs and cats have a mutation in the MDR1 (multidrug resistance 1) gene also known as the ABCB1 gene, which plays an important role in limiting drug distribution to the brain and in enhancing the excretion of many drugs. Animals with the mutation may have severe adverse reactions – including […]