Finally!

Today is a 'finally!' day - first, because I am finally going to post about the mutant MDR1 gene.

[Note: MDR stands for "Multi Drug Resistance".] Collies and other similar breeds (i.e. the Australian Shepherd, and other breeds from the herding group) as well as mixes including one or more of these breeds have proven to be sensitive to some drugs such as ivermectin (antiparasitic), loperamide (antidiarrheal), butorphanol (pain control and pre-anesthetic), and others that serve various functions. This sensitivity is present when a dog is a carrier of the mutated MDR1 gene. The mutation in the gene prevents dogs from being able to remove drugs from the brain unlike normal dogs, who can. When one of these drugs is adminstered to a dog with a sensitivity to them, they will show abnormal neurological symptoms. This includes things such as excessive salivation, blindness, tremor, depression, coma, death, and a few others.
So what do you do if you've got a dog who is 'at risk'?
Many Vets just avoid the use of drugs that are known to cause complications in breeds with a prevalence of the mutant gene. However, a test has been developed that screens for the presence of the gene. This test is performed by using a cheek brush sample. Ask your Vet about it! More information on the test can be found at this page on Washington State University's Veterinary Medical School website.
- Please note that the dosages of Ivermection in heartworm prevention tablets are safe for dogs with the mutant mdr1 gene. Many of these drugs are only harmful to dogs in high dosages.


The second reason today is a 'finally!' day is because I found a breeder with reasonably priced Aussies who has most of the important qualities I look for in a breeder. I'm quite excited because I can afford them and he will have puppies ready probably sometime around mid-May to early June...that will leave plenty of training and bonding time before the fall semester starts. I'll be sure to update once I know about due dates and when I decide whether or not I'm going to commit to this breeder.

The last reason today is a 'finally!' day is I've come to an agreement with my parents on my living situation next semester as far as on campus vs. off campus goes. It looks like I'll be living off campus in a duplex with a classmate (and fellow dog enthusiast) from my Biology lab. She's got one and a half year old female German Shepherd and just obtained a six month old male so it looks like we'll have a house full of herding dogs - sounds highly entertaining to me!

Sources/More information on MDR1 and testing:
http://www.vetmed.wsu.edu/depts-vcpl/
http://www.healthgene.com/canine/tests.asp?testcode=C142
http://www.windhound.com/eng/mdr1.htm
http://www.mwcr.org/be_aware.htm

Nine miles of treacherous terrain, all the while being chased by flying baboons with scimitars...

Or so I imagined as I huffed and puffed up the windy switchback towards the end of my ride today out at Lake Bryan with G and E. It was a great ride. My body is tired...which I love! No pain, no gain. In the words of a quote I see here and there, "Pain is weakness leaving the body!" I love it. We rode roughly nine miles (I forgot to set my computer back to zero when we began) in rather cold weather but once we got into the woods and built up speed, we were sweating! I'm looking forward to more mountain rides this semester. I also wish people would be courteous and not ride the trails when it's muddy...there were a few places where there were ruts in the trail where people had ridden while it was muddy. I thought it was well known mountain bike etiquette to not ride when the trails were muddy? Sheesh! I'm really not as put out by the ruts as I sound, but I do wish people would follow basic etiquette such as that.

I'm considering taking one of my parents' old ten-speeds and using it as a road bike. It would be nice to have something to keep up with my friend on when I ride back at home, and it would also be nice to have something equipped for the road to ride when I don't want to stunt around on campus or hit the trails.

MDR1 is coming soon...!

Hybridization, interpersonal conflict, & evolution

Back to school it is for me. I know I said I would update about the MDR1 gene mutation once I got settled in at school but things have been much too hectic! I will make it a point to post about it this weekend. My classes are going well so far...I like my professors and I'm enjoying my schedule.

I got in a ride yesterday with some of the guys from the shop - G, A, and E respectively. G picked me up and we drove out to his house so that I could use his pump to change my flat rear tire. Then we rode back to campus which was a little over three miles. We messed around on main campus and then made a loop around west campus. Then we came back to main campus and messed around on the quad where G broke his chain (for like the five millionth time). After a quick fix, we all headed back home. According to my bike computer, we rode about nine miles. It was nice and definitely a workout...mainly because A and G are extremely fast and experienced riders but also because I'm sick and probably shouldn't have been riding in the cold anyway. I forgot to mention that we were playing bike tag along the way which also explains my fatigue.

On another note, I'm thinking of exporting this blog to wordpress.com. I'm not sure yet but of course if I do, I'll post about it.

First Post

Well, I've finally created a new blog to capture my ramblings about veterinary medicine and other interests of mine. How exciting! I'm glad I've finally gotten it started up. I'm packing to head back to school now...or I'm supposed to be, anyway. I got tired and ended up on here. Once I get back to my dorm and all settled in I'll sit down and post about the MDR1 mutation gene - something all Collie and similar breed owners or potential owners should read! (Mixed breed dog owners should also take a look at this)