If dog lovers are aware of CYP2B11 deficiency dogs, they likely think of sighthounds. The list of breeds with the CYP2B11-H3 gene mutation, though, reaches far beyond greyhounds and the like. CYP2B11 deficiency dogs pose greater risks of complications with anesthesia, including recovering more slowly. Basically, it’s because the gene mutation results in less CYP2B11, and that means their bodies are much slower eliminating certain medications.
Thankfully, all 3 of our dogs carry 2 normal MDR1 genes. We know that thanks to DNA testing. Most MDR1 dog breeds with mutations come from the herding dog group of breeds, but the top list of breeds includes some surprises. I recently came across some stats on how common MDR1 mutations are in specific dog breeds.
It’s bittersweet to receive Dream’s dog DNA test results after her unexpected death on Sept 27, 2022, but the results are still kind of fun. Especially, the random big dog breed in her family tree. We used Embark, just as we did for Mr. Stix’s big breed reveal. Because Dream was so lanky, we thought she might have some whippet DNA, but nope.
After being somewhat underwhelmed by the transparency behind the dog DNA tests we did for Clover and Tori, we used a different dog DNA testing company (Embark) to check Mr Stix’s health markers and breed mix. The results just arrived. I’m happy-bawling and laughing at the results.
The same day we had Clover spayed, I asked our veterinary hospital to run genetic tests too. My primary goal was to learn Clover’s MDR1 status (multi-drug sensitivity gene). Depending upon the genetic test you choose, you can also find out your dog’s breed heritage and whether or not your dog tests positive for other kinds of disease-causing genetic markers. The good news is that Clover is indeed 100% border collie (cute family tree graphic ahead), and she tested NEGATIVE for all 90 genetic markers. The bad news is that the testing company won’t tell me what all 90 of those markers are, which makes me really crabby.
