Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Collie with ABCB1 mutation develops nerve damage from vincristine
By Krugman, L et al.·Published in The Journal of small animal practice·2012·Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, United States·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Vincristine-induced central neurotoxicity in a collie homozygous for the ABCB1Δ mutation.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A 6-year-old female collie developed weakness in all four legs and started to harm herself while undergoing chemotherapy for lymphoma. Despite normal brain and spinal cord scans, tests showed she had a genetic mutation (ABCB1-1Δ) that affects how her body processes certain medications. This mutation made her particularly sensitive to the chemotherapy drug vincristine, leading to severe side effects. It's important for collie owners to have their pets tested for this mutation before starting chemotherapy, as it can help prevent serious complications.
People also search for: collie chemotherapy side effects · dog tetraparesis treatment · ABCB1 mutation in dogs
Abstract
A six-year-old, neutered, female collie was presented to an oncology specialty service after developing tetraparesis and self-mutilation that progressively worsened while receiving chemotherapy for lymphoma. Neurologic examination revealed ataxia, paresis and diminished conscious proprioception in all limbs with entire spinal reflexes. Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain and spinal cord was normal. Electromyography of the limbs ruled out a vincristine-induced peripheral neuropathy. Cerebrospinal fluid analysis and cerebrospinal fluid and serum testing for Neospora and Toxoplasma were normal. Results of MDR1 genotyping revealed that the dog was homozygous for the ABCB1-1Δ (MDR1) mutation. This clinical presentation strongly resembled the effects seen from inadvertent intrathecal administration of vincristine in humans. Dogs that are homozygous for the ABCB1-1Δ (MDR1) mutation should not receive standard dosages of chemotherapy drugs known to be eliminated by P-glycoprotein, the gene product of ABCB1. Testing for this mutation is strongly recommended before chemotherapy initiation for at-risk breeds.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22122243/