Collies and hw prevention

[Applebear]

I am considering adopting a collie mix. I remember reading years ago that collies tend to be allergic to the normal heart worm preventative? I have been trying to educate myself on it and seeing some times you can give a shot twice a year, but some collies are still allergic to it. I am then reading they have to go on a daily pill, which sounds like it may be expensive or the very least, a pain in the wahoo.

I know there are some collie owners on here, and was wondering if they could speak up on what they do here and what is the topical expense? I am going to ask the shelter, as I know she is being kept in a kennel setting so I would assume she is also given something to prevent hw.

Thanks in advance!

PS I did try to do a search for this topic but kept getting every single thread that had the word heart in it...with dogs, you can imagine how often that word is used.

 

[Upendi&Mina]

I'm assuming you're talking about mdr1. I use sentinel on my Aussies (who also have a concern with mdr1) one of whom is tested for the mutation and one of whom isn't tested yet.

 

[BergerBelge]

I have a Belgian, also a potential carrier of the gene. She comes from a long line of tested, negative MDR1 gene carriers. Her breeder actually uses liquid Ivomectin for her personal dog as its cost effective for her, but I would never advise using this until you tested first, and had instruction from the vet for dosage. I personally use Sentinel with no problems and its convenient.
You can also have the test done to be sure. Its all through Washington State University Veterinary Clinic. You request a kit to swab at home. Last I checked I think it was between $60-70 for the kit and test. May be worth the piece of mind.

 

[BostonBanker]

I had some concerns about Gusto (BC mix) and thus had him on Interceptor until it went off the market (no Ivermectin). I was a little worried about changing, but every vet I spoke to swore up and down that the Ivermectin dose in Heartgard wouldn't cause an issue even for a dog with the MDR1 gene. I held my breath a bit anyway, but he's been on it for two summers and has been fine.

It isn't a very expensive test to see if they have the mutated gene, so you can always check to be sure.

 

[Applebear]

I'm assuming you're talking about mdr1. I use sentinel on my Aussies (who also have a concern with mdr1) one of whom is tested for the mutation and one of whom isn't tested yet.

Not sure what you mean by mdr1...merle?

The articles I read didn't specify that color was an issue [just breed], so maybe I'm misunderstanding it.

Here's picture, hopefully that helps more.

 

[JessLough]

Not sure what you mean by mdr1...merle?

The articles I read didn't specify that color was an issue [just breed], so maybe I'm misunderstanding it.

Here's picture, hopefully that helps more.

mdr1 is the thing you're talking about by allergic.

 

[Greenmagick]

Many herding breed dogs have a genetic predisposition to adverse drug reactions involving over a dozen different drugs. The most serious adverse drug reactions involve several antiparasitic agents (ivermectin, milbemycin and related drugs), the antidiarrheal agent loperamide (Imodium), and several anticancer drugs (vincristine, doxorubicin, others). These drug sensitivities result from a mutation in the multidrug resistance gene (MDR1 gene).

http://www.vetmed.wsu.edu/depts-vcpl/

 

[Applebear]

Thank you, sorry not great with abbvs always. *blush*

 

[Applebear]

http://www.vetmed.wsu.edu/depts-vcpl/

Thank you for the link, going to check it out now.

 

[Applebear]

I had some concerns about Gusto (BC mix) and thus had him on Interceptor until it went off the market (no Ivermectin). I was a little worried about changing, but every vet I spoke to swore up and down that the Ivermectin dose in Heartgard wouldn't cause an issue even for a dog with the MDR1 gene. I held my breath a bit anyway, but he's been on it for two summers and has been fine.

It isn't a very expensive test to see if they have the mutated gene, so you can always check to be sure.

Thank you, this helps...I'm going to keep researching, talk to shelter and vet. Doesn't hurt to make sure I cover all my bases. I do know she has some itchy allergies, which after talking to shelter director in length, we are thinking it's food related [she's on corn based]. I'm assuming shes on HW prev now, so will find out what they are doing there.

 

[sassafras]

The dose of ivermectin used in heartworm preventatives is generally safe even for MDR1 mutants. It's the higher doses used for mange that is dangerous.

 

[Applebear]

The dose of ivermectin used in heartworm preventatives is generally safe even for MDR1 mutants. It's the higher doses used for mange that is dangerous.

Thank you all. I've been researching the breed off and on for last year or so, and it was just one of the things I wasn't real sure of.

On that note, if anyone with collies has any insight they can offer on the breed...I'd appreciate it greatly.This girl is obviously a mix, but by appearance and from what shelter director tells me, collie is the dominant trait [I can't make out what else is in her].

 

[AmandaNola]

The MDR1 test is $55 at Animal Genetics. It's a cheek swab and you're emailed the results. My MAS's results were n/n, so he just gets heartgard.

 

[Southpaw]

My BC mix is on Heartgard. As are the majority of our collie-ish patients at work, with no issue.

 

[Moth]

One of my past dogs was a lovely rough collie. Maeve was the sweetest most polite dog ever.

She did just fine on heartworm meds She was on Heartgard and did well on it. She was not tested for the mdr1 gene.

Most collies I have know are sensitive, happy souls. Maeve was a very soft dog temperament wise. So gentle training was a must.

Also be aware they can be a bit anesthesia sensitive. In Maeve's case this meant that she was often much slower to wake up if she had to go under for any reason than most other dogs. My vet was always sure to monitor her carefully when she'd had any type of anesthetic.

 

[Applebear]

One of my past dogs was a lovely rough collie. Maeve was the sweetest most polite dog ever.

She did just fine on heartworm meds She was on Heartgard and did well on it. She was not tested for the mdr1 gene.

Most collies I have know are sensitive, happy souls. Maeve was a very soft dog temperament wise. So gentle training was a must.

Also be aware they can be a bit anesthesia sensitive. In Maeve's case this meant that she was often much slower to wake up if she had to go under for any reason than most other dogs. My vet was always sure to monitor her carefully when she'd had any type of anesthetic.

Thank you! This is pretty much what the shelter director is telling me, sounds like she is a very kind hearted dog that loves everyone [dog and human]. Which after going through fear aggression with my chow [though much better, I still struggle with at times], I just want a dog I don't have to be 'as guarded' with people wise.

Thanks for heads up on the anesthesia too, chows are like this as well.

How was yours for housebreaking? This girl is a year now, and has never really been in a house situation [she was briefly with original owners, but sounds like the situation was pretty bad]. I was a little worried how we would take to that training process, if they are easy or hard to train, etc..

 

[Beanie]

I'm the odd one out I guess - I have shelties and I use Sentinel which is milbemycin oxime for heartworm. My vet doesn't like to do Heartgard for collie type breeds and I have no real desire to do it either.

Collies are great dogs, my family had one when I was a kid. I prefer the sheltie temperament now but I have a soft spot for them still! Generally speaking they are quite smart and easy to train. Sounds like she had a rough start, but if you start out with her like you would house training a puppy, I bet you'll be able to teach her quickly!

 

[Moth]

Maeve was easy to train and eager to please. Like I said gentle training was best as even a harsh tone of voice could cause her to shut down.

I agree with Beanie...for the house training just start from square one like you would with a pup.

 

[BostonBanker]

Meg was a year or so when I got her, and had never been in a house. Fastest housebreaking ever. I think she had two accidents ever. Adults are great, because they are physically capable of holding it. All you have to do is teach them where to go.

 

[elegy]

I'm the odd one out I guess - I have shelties and I use Sentinel which is milbemycin oxime for heartworm. My vet doesn't like to do Heartgard for collie type breeds and I have no real desire to do it either.

Same rule applies with milbemycin. Safe in heartworm prevention dose, a potential problem in sensitive dogs at a higher dose.