Health issues in Toy
Australian Shepherds,
Miniature Australian
Shepherds,
Micro Australian Shepherds.
All breeds have the
possibility of health problems, some problems are more specific to
certain breeds. Eye problems, hip
dysplasia, drug interactions and seizures are three that can be a
problem for Miniature Australian Shepherds. Please visit
Australian Shepherd Health & Genetics Institute site for details.
MULTI-DRUG SENSITIVITY in
Toy Aussies and Mini Aussies
The problem is due to mutation in the multi-drug resistance gene (MDR1).
This gene encodes a protein, P-glycoprotien, that is responsible for
pumping many drugs and other toxins out of the brain. Dogs with the
mutant gene can not pump some drugs out of the brain as a normal dog
would, which may result in abnormal neurological signs. The result may be
an illness requiring an extended hospital stay or even death.
Toy Aussies and Mini Aussies can be tested by your veterinarian, to determine if they carry this mutation.
PROBLEM DRUGS
Drugs that have been documented, or are strongly suspected to cause
problems in Toy Aussies and Mini Aussies with the MDR1 mutation:
-
Ivermection (antiparasitic agent) Heartguard
-
Loperamide (Imodium; over-the-counter antidiarrhea agent)
-
Doxorubicin (anticancer agent)
-
Vincristine (anticancer agent)
-
Vinblastine (anticancer agent)
-
Cyclosporin (immunosuppressive agent)
-
Digoxin (heart drug)
-
Acepromazine (tranquilizer) used for neutering/spaying
-
Butorphanol (pain control)
Please visit the Washington State University site by clicking on the
provided link for more information:
Published by the
OFFA
Hip Dysplasia is a terrible genetic
disease because of the various degrees of arthritis (also called
degenerative joint disease, arthrosis, osteoarthrosis) it can eventually
produce, leading to pain and debilitation.
No one can predict when or even if a dysplastic
dog will start showing clinical signs of lameness due to pain. There are
multiple environmental factors such as caloric intake (over weight), level of
exercise, and weather that can affect the severity of clinical signs and
phenotypic expression (radiographic changes). There is no rhyme or
reason to the severity of radiographic changes correlated with the
clinical findings. There are a number of dysplastic dogs with severe
arthritis that run, jump, and play as if nothing is wrong and some dogs
with barely any arthritic radiographic changes that are severely lame.
Link to the
OFFA website
