Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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This may have been talked about before, but when we were told that Shooter would be doing the Vinblastine protocol I started doing some research just to be an informed pawrent. It turns out that it is just like ivermectin (white feet don't treat) and some herding dog breeds (mostly collies) are very sensitive to the vinblastine if they have the MDR1 gene. The dosage has to be adjusted accordingly on these dogs. A DNA test can be done to identify those affected. It turns out Aussies and Mini-aussies have a 50% chance of carrying the gene.
I mentioned this to my vet and she is delaying the beginning of Shooter's treatments until we can confirm the situation. I thought this might be of interest to anyone on here with our type of dog. Here is the link to the WSU information - http://www.vetm.....-Flier.pdf. It gives a list of the drugs and includes other chemo drugs.
Spirit Shooter was a Miniature Australian Shepherd who was diagnosed with a MCT and had a LF amp 1/28/13 at 13-1/2 years old.
Shooter crossed the Bridge on 8/28/13, his 7 month ampuversary and two weeks from his 14th birthday.
Verrrrrry interesting! We noticed that Acepromazine is on that list. Well, Tripawds Spokesdawg Wyatt Ray, a GSD, goes berserk if he ever gets Aced (tramadol does the same thing too but I didn't see that on the list). It is not a good drug for him. However he's never had a problem with Ivermectin. Do you know of any warning signs for that one?
Thanks for sharing this important info.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
I will have to check into some of the reactions to be aware of if these drugs are given without having the DNA test done first and adjusting any dosages. I had read where one dog had received Ace and did not react to it until 5 hours later and it hit all at once instead of the usual steady dissipation. It sounded almost like an anaphalactyic shock situtation that can occur in horses.
Spirit Shooter was a Miniature Australian Shepherd who was diagnosed with a MCT and had a LF amp 1/28/13 at 13-1/2 years old.
Shooter crossed the Bridge on 8/28/13, his 7 month ampuversary and two weeks from his 14th birthday.
It is true that herding breeds (esp those with white feet such as Aussies) can have a genetic mutation that makes them sensitive to certain drugs. WSU (Washington State Univ Vet School)) has kits you can order with a cheek swab or your vet can send in a blood test. Chemo drugs, some anesthetics, and ivermectin are on the list. It is worth noting that the dose of ivermectin in heartworm preventatives such as Heartgard are safe even for dogs with the mutation, although if that makes you nervous you could use Interceptor.
Pam
Thanks Pam. Shooter is getting his blood test tomorrow to send in. Better to be safe than sorry. It is fairly inexpensive ($60) so would rather know now than later.
Spirit Shooter was a Miniature Australian Shepherd who was diagnosed with a MCT and had a LF amp 1/28/13 at 13-1/2 years old.
Shooter crossed the Bridge on 8/28/13, his 7 month ampuversary and two weeks from his 14th birthday.
I think we'll send in a blood sample for our Wyatt, this would be great info to have. Thanks!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Just a quick FYI update. I spoke with my vet today and the oncologist at WSU said it is very important to get this test on dogs in the breed sensitive list. If they have the gene it affects the dosage of chemo drug, but also if they have a double mutation then the dose has to be adjusted even further. She also recommended to not start any chemo until after the results are received as she feels this may do more harm than good as long as the dog is feeling and doing fine. Luckily Shooter is feeling super good, but his test missed last week's batch so won't have any results until this Friday.
Spirit Shooter was a Miniature Australian Shepherd who was diagnosed with a MCT and had a LF amp 1/28/13 at 13-1/2 years old.
Shooter crossed the Bridge on 8/28/13, his 7 month ampuversary and two weeks from his 14th birthday.
Thanks for the update and excellent information. I'm glad Shooter is doing well!
Can I be nosy and ask how much the test was?
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
$60 plus shipping charges. Worth it for piece of mind and any future medications he may need. I might have to get my other 3 minis tested.
Spirit Shooter was a Miniature Australian Shepherd who was diagnosed with a MCT and had a LF amp 1/28/13 at 13-1/2 years old.
Shooter crossed the Bridge on 8/28/13, his 7 month ampuversary and two weeks from his 14th birthday.
Oh that's not bad, I'd say that's a small price to pay compared to a bad drug interaction. Thanks!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Results at last! Shooter has a single mutation which means he is a carrier for the gene and would have passed it along to any offspring (not an option-the boys were removed as soon as he was old enough!). I haven't gotten the exact figures yet, but the vinblastine dosage will be around 70% of the normal dose. These will start on Monday-another bridge to cross on his journey.
Spirit Shooter was a Miniature Australian Shepherd who was diagnosed with a MCT and had a LF amp 1/28/13 at 13-1/2 years old.
Shooter crossed the Bridge on 8/28/13, his 7 month ampuversary and two weeks from his 14th birthday.
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Wow--nothing can ever be easy sometimes! Thank goodness Shooter has a very diligent and knowledgeable mom! Keeping our fingers crossed for your upcoming Monday appointment. He's of worried---just look at that "not a care in the world" attitude on that handsome face!
Sending you a big dose of serenity, Sally and Happy Hannah
Happy Hannah had a glorious additional bonus time of over one yr & two months after amp for osteo! She made me laugh everyday! Joined April's Angels after send off meal of steak, ice cream, M&Ms & deer poop!
I'm glad you got that info. So if he had been given the full dose that would have meant extreme sensitivity to it? Maybe worse side effects than usual?
This is so good to know, I'm going to do my best to remember to tell the herding dogs about this test before undergoing chemo. Thank you!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Thanks Sally and Hannah - I probably have a tendency to over research everything , but glad I did in this case.
Rene-From what I understand, the drugs do not dissapate slowly like they do with other dogs but have a tendency to sit around and hit at a higher dosage in the body . Maybe one of the vets could confirm that. I'm great with equine medicine, but have always been more hesitant with my dogs. Maybe because they seem more fragile or they are just a heck of a lot easier to load up and take to the vet!!
Spirit Shooter was a Miniature Australian Shepherd who was diagnosed with a MCT and had a LF amp 1/28/13 at 13-1/2 years old.
Shooter crossed the Bridge on 8/28/13, his 7 month ampuversary and two weeks from his 14th birthday.
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