THE IVERMECTIN STORY

There is a genetic syndrome in collies that can be deadly if not addressed. Some of our collies do not have the proper transport system in the brain to move chemicals back and forth between the brain tissue and the blood that supports the brain tissue. These collies are very susceptible to certain toxic drugs that enter the brain and cannot get back out. The dogs that do not have a proper transport system can become intoxicated, seizure and possibly die when exposed to certain drugs.

Among the drugs that can affect our collies are ivermectin and ivermectin sister drugs (the active ingredient in certain heartworm preventatives and ear medications), Imodium (an anti-diarrheal medication), and a number of the drugs used for chemotherapy. Exposure to these drugs in a large number of our collies can be fatal.

When dealing with the genetic makeup of our breed, APPROXIMATELY 35% OF OUR COLLIES ARE AFFECTED and will become intoxicated when exposed to those drugs listed above.

APPROXIMATELY 45% OF ARE COLLIES ARE CARRIERS OF THE AFFECTED GENES. These collies may or may not react to those drugs listed above. If they react it is usually not as severe a reaction as the affected collies. However, when two carriers are bred they can produce affected, affected carriers and unaffected non carriers.

APPROXIMATELY 20% OF ARE COLLIES ARE NOT AFFECTED AND NOT CARRIERS.