This is Penny. She is the owner/trainer of Show Low and Gracie. About a year ago Penny got 3 Shetland Sheep. This year she added Bah-Barbra Ann. They are not the "best" herding sheep, but they do give the dogs a good challenge and their wool makes GREAT sweaters! Penny is learning to shear the sheep, care for the wool, and spin the wool. I never asked her if she knits- but I DO!
Multiple Drug Sensitivity (MDR1 gene) DNA Test –
This DNA test identifies dogs that are sensitive to several medications. Shelties, Collies, Australian Shepherds, and Border Collies are a few of the breeds with this genetic mutation. Several commonly used drugs, ex. antiparasitic drugs (some used in heartworm preventatives), tranquilizers (acepromazine), and anti-diarrheal drugs (Imodium®) are a few of the drugs that may affect dogs with this genetic mutation. This test would provide useful, practical knowledge for every Sheltie owner, since knowing the status of each dog as clear, carrier, or affected would help a veterinarian determine which drugs to use or avoid in a particular dog.
As of March, 2008, 448 Shelties have been tested (Washington State University) with 11% being heterozygous (carriers) for the MDR1 mutation, and 1 % homozygous for the MDR1 mutation. Heterozygous dogs (carriers) exhibit sensitivity to drugs that is similar to or less than that of homozygous (affected) dogs. A complete list of drugs that may affect dogs with the MDR1 gene can be found at the following link: http://www.vetmed.wsu.edu/depts-VCPL/drugs.aspx. More information on the topic can be found at: http://www.vetmed.wsu.edu/depts-VCPL/ and http://www.ashgi.org/articles/mdr1.htm.
The test can be performed using DNA from cheek brush collection that can be mailed-in by the owner.
Explanation of test results:
Normal/Normal- These dogs do not carry the mutation, and will not pass on the mutation to their offspring. These dogs would not be expected to experience unexpected adverse drug reactions to normal doses of ivermectin, loperamide (Imodium®), and some anticancer drugs.
I just tested the following dogs and here are the results (from Washington State University)
Ch. Acadia's Bright Idea, RA, NA, NAJ Normal/Normal (MDR1-12080)
Ch. Acadia It's My Treat Normal/Normal (MDR1-12081)
Acadia On My Mind Normal/Normal (MDR1-12082)
Acadia Sunburst Merry and Bright Normal/Normal (MDR1- 12083)
Acadia Sweet Home Arizona Normal/Normal (MDR1 - 12084)
Acadia Sweet Emotion, AXJ,OA, OAF, PT was tested Normal/Normal a year ago and Heart Lake Acadia Le Roi de Cour is Normal/Normal by parentage.
Morene Brown (who also owns MACH/NATCH2/ADCH Acadia's Candidate, HS) has been taking Acadia Whatever It Takes, NA, NAJ (WIT) to herding classes. Morene prefers to do agility, so the women with the sheep trains WIT. She told Morene, "don't bother with the lower level titles- this dog is GOOD". Well- she was RIGHT.
This past weekend WIT was entered in the Advanced Herding class at his VERY FIRST herding trial and he Qualified both days giving him 2 (out of the required 3) legs for the Herding Excellent (HX) title! WOW. I hope WIT will be my first herding Champion. WIT is the litter brother to Acadia's Sweet Necessity, HT, RN (Belle). These two are just 4 years old. See the comments about Belle's kids and pictures of them herding in an earlier post. Belle is also the mother of my tri-dog Acadia Sweet Home Arizona (Rincon) who is also a super herding dog.
I am very proud of these dogs. They have herding ability in the genes!
Amy reports that Quill took 1st place with a perfect score of 100 for his final Advanced Rally leg. The next day Amy moved Quill up to the Excellent level and the two of them Qualified for his first Excellent leg with a score of 94.
In a few weeks I will be going to California to judge Sweepstakes and I will be staying with Amy and Quill. I am very excited to finally meet Amy, and of course to see Quill again. I will take pictures while I am there.
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