What heartworm meds are safe for my Collie mix with the MDR1 gene?

Question

Is there any medication you can give a Collie mix dog, with the Mrd1* Gene, for Heartworm prevention? Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed | Female | spayed | 4 years and 1 month old

Lauren Jones VMD · Accepted Answer

Technically, all heartworm preventatives (even those with ivermectin) are safe in dogs with an MDR1 gene mutation since the effective dose of medication in heartworm is significantly lower than that which would cause neurotoxicity. However, most vets will preferentially choose selamectin (Revolution) or milbemycin (Interceptor) based products for MDR1 mutant dogs over ivermectin (Heartgard) based products. If Tasha has historically been very sensitive to heartworm preventatives, I would advise giving her flea/tick prevention and heartworm prevention 2 weeks apart rather than simultaneously. Your vet will be able to perform a blood test for heartworm disease prior to starting Tasha on a heartworm preventative, as all are prescription based.

What heartworm meds are safe for my Collie mix with the MDR1 gene?

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