Cat Health News from the Winn Feline Foundation

Improving treatment of cancer in cats

noreply@blogger.com (Winn Feline Foundation) — Mon, 28 May 2012 16:12:00 +0000

Each year, the Winn Feline Foundation receives proposals from veterinary researchers around the world who are interested in improving feline health. To date, Winn’s cumulative total in feline health research funding exceeds $4 million. Forty-four proposals were submitted by researchers seeking funding in this review cycle. This year, our team of veterinary consultants helped Winn select 10 projects for funding, for a total of $174,018. Here is one of those projects:

W12-005
Immunohistochemical quantification of the transcobalamin II protein (TCII) and receptor (TCII-R) in naturally occurring feline tumors
Investigators: Annette M. Sysel, Joseph A. Bauer; Bauer Research Foundation, Akron OH

Cancer affects millions of cats annually and may account for 1/3 of all disease-related feline deaths. There are only 2 FDA-approved drugs available for the treatment of cancer in animals, but both drugs are licensed exclusively for use in dogs. Treatment of cancer in cats is largely extrapolated from treatments used in human and canine medicine. A new and interesting approach to cancer therapy is based on the fact that cancer cells rely on vitamin B12 (cobalamin) to grow and they produce transport proteins to scavenge cobalamin. An anti-tumor drug called nitrosylcobalamin (NO-Cbl) uses cobalamin to target cancer cells via the transcobalamin II (TCII) transport protein and receptors. The TCII protein and receptors have been evaluated in human and canine tumors, but not yet in cats. In this project, the investigators will quantify the TCII protein and receptor in feline tumors with the goal of identifying tumors that may be susceptible to treatment with drugs such as No-Cbl.

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The nutrition of feral cats

noreply@blogger.com (Winn Feline Foundation) — Thu, 24 May 2012 10:00:00 +0000

Plantinga EA, Bosch G, Hendriks WH. Estimation of the dietary nutrient profile of free-roaming feral cats: possible implications for nutrition of domestic cats. Br J Nutr 2011;106 Suppl 1:S35-48.

Cats in the wild rely solely on animal tissues to meet their specific and unique nutritional requirements. This has led to unique digestive and metabolic adaptations. In order to better understand how the domestic cat has adapted to its physiologic needs, the diet of feral cats was assessed. The researchers reviewed 27 published studies reporting the feeding habits of feral cats and obtained data on the nutrient composition of the cats’ prey. The results showed that feral cats are obligatory carnivores with a diet high in protein (52% of daily energy) and fat (46% of daily energy) content, but low in carbohydrates (2% of daily energy). Minerals and trace elements appeared to be consumed in higher concentrations than current recommended allowances. The authors conclude that future research should focus on the value of feeding a natural diet of whole prey as an enhancement of feline health and longevity. [MK]

Related articles: Zaghini G, Biagi G. Nutritional peculiarities and diet palatability in the cat. Vet Res Commun 2005;29 Suppl 2:39-44.

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Treatment of blood clots in cats with heart disease

noreply@blogger.com (Winn Feline Foundation) — Mon, 21 May 2012 10:00:00 +0000

The efficacy of bosentan, a mixed ETa ETb receptor antagonist, in cats with arterial thromboembolism

Investigators: Elizabeth Rozanski, Gareth Buckley; Tufts University

A Ricky Fund Project

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is a very common heart disease in cats. One of the most devastating complications of heart disease is development of blood clots called feline aortic thromboembolism (ATE), which cuts off the blood supply to one or more limbs. ATE is associated with a survival rate of less than 40% despite multiple efforts to try to improve outcomes. It is important to cats and their owners to be able to offer an intervention that improves survival with a good quality of life. Cats are recognized to have “reactive” blood vessels, and this response may worsen the outcome in ATE. The arteries in cats suffering from ATE will release various chemicals including one called endothelin. Endothelin causes an increased tendency to form more clots, and promotes severe inflammation and narrowing of collateral vessels supplying areas behind the site of the clot. Bosentan is a drug used successfully in people to treat various diseases such as coronary artery disease. This study looks to determine the effectiveness of bosentan in the treatment of cats with ATE.

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Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in the Sphynx cat

noreply@blogger.com (Winn Feline Foundation) — Thu, 17 May 2012 10:00:00 +0000

Silverman SJ, Stern JA, Meurs KM. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in the Sphynx cat: A retrospective evaluation of clinical presentation and heritable etiology. J Feline Med Surg 2012;14:246-249.

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is the most common form of heart disease in the cat. HCM is a heritable disease in some breeds of cats such as the Maine Coon and Ragdoll. Distinct causative mutations have been found in these breeds and there may be other clinical presentations. This suggests that HCM In cats is a diverse disease. The Sphynx breed has been reported to have a predilection for HCM. The records of 18 cats (11 female, 7 male) were evaluated for characteristics of HCM and for a familial etiology. The age range of affected cats was 0.5 to 7 years (median, 2 years). The results indicate a familial disease, at least in some cases, with multiple (four) affected cats occurring within one family. The mode of inheritance suggests an autosomal dominant trait similar to that of the Maine Coon, though a prospective breeding project would be needed to determine the exact mode. The age of onset appears to be younger in Sphynx than other cat breeds studied. Further studies are warranted to evaluate for a causative mutation. [VT]

Winn has recently funded grant W12-009: Fine mapping for Sphynx cat hypertrophic cardiomyopathy gene.

Related articles: Meurs KM, Norgard MM, Kuan M, et al. Analysis of 8 sarcomeric candidate genes for feline hypertrophic cardiomyopathy mutations in cats with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. J Vet Intern Med 2009;23:840-843.

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Inherited blindness in Bengal cats

noreply@blogger.com (Winn Feline Foundation) — Mon, 14 May 2012 22:10:00 +0000

Winn grant W12-022
Molecular characterization of Bengal progressive retinal atrophy
Investigator: Robert A. Grahn; University of California, Davis

Inherited blindness is a devastating disease common to many species. In people, over 25 different forms of inherited retinal blindness have been clinically characterized. Cats also have several forms of blindness that destroy the photoreceptors at the back of the eye. These conditions will randomly occur in a particular cat breed and then will be inherited. Some forms of blindness attack the photoreceptors shortly after birth, while other forms take longer to destroy vision. Several Bengal cats have been diagnosed with a form of blindness that destroys their vision at around 5 months of age. A genome wide association case control study has indicated a candidate region for a possible mutation causing progressive retinal atrophy in the Bengal breed. This proposal will obtain the sequence of the RNA and DNA of this candidate gene to identify the mutation and allow for development of a genetic test to help reduce the prevalence of the disease in the Bengal breed.

This study has received partial funding from Winn according to our guidelines for breed-specific projects. Please donate so that the project may be fully funded.

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Feline stem cells

noreply@blogger.com (Winn Feline Foundation) — Thu, 10 May 2012 10:00:00 +0000

Webb TL, Quimby JM, Dow SW. In vitro comparison of feline bone marrow-derived and adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells. J Feline Med Surg 2012;14:165-168.

Bone marrow derived stem cells

The use of mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) is being evaluated as a treatment option for a number of different diseases. MSC can be derived from a variety of adult tissues, are fairly non-immunogenic, and their immunosuppressive properties may be of benefit in many immune and inflammatory disease processes. In cats, MSC are being proposed for use in chronic inflammatory or degenerative diseases, such as inflammatory bowel disease and osteoarthritis.

MSC are primarily collected from bone marrow (BM) or adipose tissue (AT) and are then enriched and enhanced before transfer into patients. This study looked at the growth properties and phenotype of feline BM-MSC and AT-MSC from four healthy, young donor cats. The results showed that mesenchymal stem cells isolated from AT proliferated significantly faster than BM-MSC. Also, it was noted that BM-MSC and AT-MSC were similar phenotypically. Therefore, MSC derived from adipose tissue may be the preferred choice for clinical applications when the need for rapid and efficient generation of MSC is important. [VT]
This project was partially supported by a grant from Winn.

Related articles: Quimby JM, Webb TL, Gibbons DS, et al. Evaluation of intrarenal mesenchymal stem cell injection for treatment of chronic kidney disease in cats: a pilot study. J Feline Med Surg 2011;13:418-426.

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Feline oral cancer: new treatment options

noreply@blogger.com (Winn Feline Foundation) — Mon, 07 May 2012 10:00:00 +0000

Winn grant W11-027
Cetuximab Targeting of Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor in Feline Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Investigators: Stuart Helfand and Krystal Claybrook; Oregon State University

Elderly cats are most at risk for oral cancer

Feline oral squamous cell carcinoma (FOSCC) is a common and deadly cancer for which there are no truly effective therapies. This study’s long-term aim is to suppress growth of FOSCC by interrupting signaling through the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). EGFR-signaling is a known trigger for cell growth making it a desirable target for therapy. The study considers two strategies of interest that share the same goal of impeding EGFR signaling. One method is to use cetuximab for monoclonal antibody blockade of the receptor. The alternate method is use of tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) blockade of the receptor’s activation site. The impairment of signaling suppresses a number of processes that would otherwise promote malignant behavior.

Previous study results showed EGFR is expressed by the only cell line of FOSCC available and that cetuximab can bind to FOSCC biopsy tissue. Despite the prior data, this investigator unexpectedly discovered that cetuximab did not bind to the cells. The study then turned to pursuing the alternate approach to block EGFR signaling by examining a TKI drug, gefitinib, on proliferation of this cell line. Results in this instance confirmed the ability to interrupt EGFR signaling in the cell line by using gefitinib, resulting in suppression of the tumor cells. Data has indicated that this approach is effective and may facilitate use of lower drug doses while achieving superior cell killing.

Additional time is needed to confirm the results and validate targeting of gefitinib (and another TKI drug, dasatinib) to EGFR by western blot analysis. [VT]

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Parvovirus in cats and dogs

noreply@blogger.com (Winn Feline Foundation) — Fri, 04 May 2012 09:00:00 +0000

Stucker KM, Pagan I, Cifuente JO, et al. The role of evolutionary intermediates in the host adaptation of canine parvovirus. J Virol 2012;86:1514-1521.

Canine parvovirus (CPV-2) emerged in the late 1970’s as a variant of feline panleukopenia virus (FPV). By the early 1980’s, this variant was replaced by new variants that infected both dogs and cats (CPV-2a and -2b). Interestingly, it is now believed that raccoons may have played a role in the evolution of FPV and its adaptation to dogs, and re-adaptation to cats. Through analysis of all of these viruses and variants, the researchers were able to describe the complex sequence of events, involving small changes in the virus were necessary for these changes in host adaptations. Furthermore, they found that these changes had to occur in concert with one another in order for the adaptation to be successful. These findings show how complex this adaptation to new hosts is, and thus why it is not a common occurrence among viruses. [MK]

Related articles: Horiuchi M, Yamaguchi Y, Gojobori T, et al. Differences in the evolutionary pattern of feline panleukopenia virus and canine parvovirus. Virology 1998;249:440-452.

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Improving treatment of feline kidney disease

noreply@blogger.com (Winn Feline Foundation) — Wed, 02 May 2012 10:00:00 +0000

Winn grant W12-039
Administration of pimobendan to cats with chronic kidney disease
Investigators: Mary Anna Labato, Brandi R. Gallagher, John Rush; Tufts University

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is one of the most common reasons geriatric cats present to the veterinarian. CKD is considered irreversible and progressive, and effective treatments are limited. A common co-existing condition seen in feline CKD patients is heart disease. Two of the investigators in this study have administered pimobendan to cats with combined kidney and heart disease. The patients had developed congestive heart failure (CHF) secondary to intravenous fluid administration, a typical standard of care for kidney disease. In some of these patients, addition of pimobendan resulted in a great improvement in kidney values and clinical response. Tolerability and safety of this drug has already been established in cats with heart disease. This will be a pilot study to assess the tolerability of pimobendan in cats with CKD and search for benefits in comparison to the current standard of care. Investigating these observations in a larger study will help establish whether pimobendan could be a novel treatment for cats with CKD.

This project is available for sponsorship. When you sponsor a project, your name will be added to the list of the project's supporters on our website and in any publications we produce about the project. You will receive exclusive pre-publication reports on the progress of your chosen project as they become available, and a final report at its conclusion.

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Feline Health Symposium: Diving into the Gene Pool

noreply@blogger.com (Winn Feline Foundation) — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 10:00:00 +0000

Registration is now open for the 34th Annual Winn Feline Foundation Feline Health Symposium. This year's event, "Diving into the Gene Pool", will take place on Thursday, June 28, 2012, from 4:00 to 6:00 pm at the Boston Marriott Quincy, in Quincy, MA.

“We are excited to announce that two preeminent feline healthcare researchers will be delivering the program. Leslie Lyons, PhD, University of California, Davis will present ‘The Next Generation of Feline Genetics’ and John Rush, DVM, DACVIM, DACVECC, Tufts University will speak on ‘Feline Cardiomyopathy - More than Genes! New thoughts on Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment’",stated Dr. Vicki Thayer, Winn Feline Foundation Board President.

Dr. Lyons will speak on recent genetic sequencing of the cat which has led to development of a powerful new genetic resource, the cat 63K DNA array. Dr. Lyons will present examples of recent successes for identification of mutations causing cat traits and diseases. In addition, discussion will cover a new study design to evaluate more challenging traits, such as FIP resistance and susceptibility, and other complex conditions in the cat. While genetic mutations contribute to many forms of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) in the cat, these mutations cannot explain all of the manifestations of the disease. Dr. Rush will present information and research relative to diagnostic testing, dietary implications, and new drugs for treatment of feline cardiomyopathy.

All event proceeds will benefit worldwide medical research on feline HCM via Winn’s Ricky Fund, established in 2002 with the specific purpose of raising funds for feline HCM research.

The registration fee, which includes light snacks with a cash bar, is $25. Reservations are required by June 17, 2012. Detailed information and registration options are available on our website and in the event flyer.

For more information, contact:
Maureen Walsh, Winn Chief Executive Officer
mwalsh@winnfelinehealth.org

Eliminating ringworm spores from the home

noreply@blogger.com (Winn Feline Foundation) — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 10:00:00 +0000

Winn grant W12-034
Decontamination of household textiles exposed to Microsporum canis spores
Investigator: Karen A. Moriello; University of Wisconsin-Madison

Ringworm is a superficial fungal skin disease that affects all animals, including cats. In cats, the most commonly isolated pathogen is Microsporum canis. This disease is important because it is highly contagious to cats and transmitted to people making it a public health concern. Ringworm can infect any cat, but the most commonly infected are the most adoptable (kittens and juveniles), old cats with other illnesses, and cats in animal shelters or rescue organizations. This skin disease is curable but treatment can be challenging because diseased cats shed large amounts of infective material (spores and infected hairs) into the environment. Effective cleaning is necessary to prevent spore contamination of the environment and prevent cats from becoming re-infected or “dust mop carriers”. Information on effective cleaning of hard surfaces (walls, counters, etc.) is available, but no evidence-based information is available for household textiles-fabric, clothing, carpeting, etc.

Microscopic view of M. canis

The purpose of this study is to determine the efficacy of decontamination options for household textiles (e.g., towels, fabric, and carpet) with a goal of identifying safe and effective practices. Common household textiles will be experimentally contaminated with naturally infective material and the following cleaning techniques tested: washing in cold or hot water with or without bleach pre-soaking, vacuuming rugs at different lengths of time, rental carpet cleaners, and high pressure/high temperature commercial cleaning of carpets. This study will determine which of these techniques are excellent, adequate, marginal or unsatisfactory for decontamination. Information will be immediately useful for people treating cats with ringworm.

This project is available for sponsorship. When you sponsor a project, your name will be added to the list of the project's supporters on our website and in any publications we produce about the project. You will receive exclusive pre-publication reports on the progress of your chosen project as they become available, and a final report at its conclusion.

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New feline virus identified

noreply@blogger.com (Winn Feline Foundation) — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 10:00:00 +0000

Lau SK, Woo PC, Yip CC, et al. Identification of a novel feline picornavirus from the domestic cat. J Virol. 2012; 86: 395-405.

Picornaviruses are small viruses infecting many animal species as well as humans. This family of viruses includes many important human and veterinary pathogens including the common cold virus, poliovirus, and foot and mouth disease virus. Thus far, picornaviruses infecting cats have not been identified.

The investigators screened fecal, urine, blood, and nasopharyngeal swab samples from over 600 cats in Hong Kong over a 3-year period for picornavirus using genetic detection methods. They found a novel virus which after characterization was found to be most closely related to but distinct from all known picornaviruses. Their findings indicated that infection of cats with this virus was quite common. While the cats tested in this study were all apparently healthy, further research is required to fully understand the significance of this virus among cats. [MK]

Related articles: Santti J, Vainionpaa R, Hyypia T. Molecular detection and typing of human picornaviruses. Virus Res. 1999; 62: 177-83.

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Improving treatment of chronic pain in cats

noreply@blogger.com (Winn Feline Foundation) — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 10:00:00 +0000

Winn grant W12-027
Development of outcome assessment instruments for chronic pain in cats
Investigator: Dorothy Cimino Brown; University of Pennsylvania

Cats are unique. They cannot benefit from the same pain fighting medications used in dogs, because they can cause serious side-effects in cats. It is crucially important that we identify pain fighting medications that are safe and effective in cats, so that we can relieve them from pain caused by such conditions as arthritis or cancer. Once a treatment option for pain is identified that might be useful in cats, studies must be carefully designed in order to prove that the potential new treatment option is effective. The greatest obstacle to designing such studies is the fact that we have not developed reliable ways to measure pain in cats. If we can not measure the pain, we can not prove that we are appropriately treating it.

The goal of this study is to develop tools that can measure pain in cats and therefore appropriately design studies that will identify new treatments. The first tool is the Feline Brief Pain Inventory, which will be an owner completed questionnaire that will allow them to identify and report on how their cat behaves at home, focusing on the behaviors that are related to pain. The second tool is an activity monitor that can be worn on the cat’s collar while it progresses through its normal activities at home. We plan to identify how many days the monitor needs to be worn to collect data reliably. Ultimately the monitor might identify the improved activity that can be related to adequate pain control.

This project is available for sponsorship. When you sponsor a project, your name will be added to the list of the project's supporters on our website and in any publications we produce about the project. You will receive exclusive pre-publication reports on the progress of your chosen project as they become available, and a final report at its conclusion.

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Feline lymphoma & body weight status

noreply@blogger.com (Winn Feline Foundation) — Mon, 16 Apr 2012 10:00:00 +0000

Krick EL, Moore RH, Cohen RB and Sorenmo KU. Prognostic significance of weight changes during treatment of feline lymphoma. J Feline Med Surg. 2011; 13: 976-83.

Ultrasound image of kidney lymphoma in a cat

The most common hematopoietic cancer diagnosed in cats is lymphoma. While several prognostic factors have been documented, another prognostic factor recently evaluated is weight loss. Body weight may be a simple, objective, and practical marker of patient status over time. It is common in clinical practice to use body weight as an assessment of both response to and tolerance of therapy. This study looked at the prognostic significance of weight changes during treatment of cats with lymphoma. Another purpose was to compare weight changes according to baseline body weight, lymphoma cell type (large versus small cell), and tumor location.

The records of 209 cats treated for lymphoma with chemotherapy from 1995 to 2007 were evaluated. Cats with large cell lymphoma had a significantly shorter survival time if they had lost ≥ 5% of their weight at 1 month of treatment than those that had gained weight or had a stable weight. Weight loss and other clinical signs experienced by cats undergoing lymphoma treatment may be a result of the disease itself as well as chemotherapy side effects and it may be challenging to tell the difference. The first 2 months of treatment may be the best time to begin therapeutic interventions and nutritional support in addition to chemotherapy to decrease weight loss. [VT]

Related articles: Taylor SS, Goodfellow MR, Browne WJ, et al. Feline extranodal lymphoma: response to chemotherapy and survival in 110 cats. J Small Anim Pract. 2009; 50: 584-92.

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FIP: a new treatment approach

noreply@blogger.com (Winn Feline Foundation) — Thu, 12 Apr 2012 10:00:00 +0000

Winn grant W12-026, a Bria Fund project
Anti-immune evasive therapy in the treatment of FIP - a randomized,
controlled clinical trial
Investigators: Hans Nauwynck, Sabine Gleich; Ghent University, Belgium

This project is a continuation of a previous Winn grant (W10-039): Development of a novel treatment strategy to inhibit the immune evasion mechanism of feline infectious peritonitis virus

Feline coronavirus exists in two forms: a less harmful (avirulent) strain that can cause mild enteritis and a highly pathogenic (virulent) strain that causes a progressive and usually fatal disease known as feline infectious peritonitis (FIP). Cats living in multi‐cat environments (e.g., shelter cats or cats in breeding catteries) are at a particularly high risk to develop FIP. An effective therapy is currently not available and affected cats usually succumb to their disease. Previous research has shown that FIP virus can evade the host’s immune system and that a specific blocking agent can inhibit this evasion mechanism. It has been shown in a previous project that this agent is well tolerated when administered to healthy cats and that the desired plasma concentration can be achieved with different administration routes.

In this project, the investigators will evaluate the efficacy of the inhibitor as a treatment for FIP in 10 naturally infected cats. In addition, the pharmacological behavior of the compound will be determined in the first 6 cats that enter this study. If the results of this pilot study are promising, the project will be expanded into a randomized, controlled trial. The goal of this project is to improve the quality of life and survival of cats with FIP by enabling the host’s immune system to recognize and destroy infected cells.

This project is available for sponsorship. When you sponsor a project, your name will be added to the list of the project's supporters on our website and in any publications we produce about the project. You will receive exclusive pre-publication reports on the progress of your chosen project as they become available, and a final report at its conclusion.

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Dietary therapy for feline constipation

noreply@blogger.com (Winn Feline Foundation) — Tue, 10 Apr 2012 10:00:00 +0000

Freiche V, Houston D, Weese H, et al. Uncontrolled study assessing the impact of a psyllium-enriched extruded dry diet on faecal consistency in cats with constipation. J Feline Med Surg. 2011; 13: 903-11.
Constipation is a common clinical complaint in cats and can result from a number of different causes. Treatment includes determining and eliminating the cause, if possible, together with medical or, in some cases, surgical management. Medical therapy frequently involves the use of laxatives, enemas, and prokinetic agents such as cisapride. Psyllium is a soluble fibre that exudes a mucilaginous gel that increases fecal bulk. It also adds to stool bulk by additional, water-holding properties. Psyllium has been found to increase stool frequency and consistency in humans with idiopathic constipation. This study involved assessing the use of a highly digestible dry food formula, with added psyllium, in two field trials involving 66 cats with constipation. The main conclusions the authors made from both trials were that the test diet was palatable and well-tolerated, that clinical remission was noted in the majority of the study patients, and that other symptomatic therapy was either not needed in clinical management or could often be discontinued or reduced without recurrence of clinical signs. The authors also noted that both surgical management and euthanasia were being considered in a small number of cats, but were subsequently not required due to the success of dietary therapy. [VT]

Related articles: Trevail TIM, Gunn-Moore D, Carrera I, Courcier E and Sullivan M. Radiographic diameter of the colon in normal and constipated cats and in cats with megacolon. Vet Radiol Ultrasound. 2011; 52: 516-20.

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New cat health projects funded by Winn

noreply@blogger.com (Winn Feline Foundation) — Thu, 05 Apr 2012 10:00:00 +0000

The Winn Feline Foundation has announced the award of ten feline medical research grants. Winn President Vicki Thayer, DVM, commented, “We are excited about the proposals that have received funding. Our team of expert veterinary consultants helped the Foundation select ten projects for funding for a total of $174,018. The Foundation looks forward to seeing the results of these projects and to sharing them with the veterinary community as well as with cat owners and pedigreed cat breeders.”

Each year, the Winn Feline Foundation receives proposals from veterinary researchers around the world who are interested in improving feline health. Forty-four proposals were submitted by researchers seeking funding in this review cycle. To date, Winn’s cumulative total in feline health research funding exceeds $4 million.

RICKY FUND PROJECT:
W12-037: The efficacy of Bosentan, a mixed ETa ETb receptor antagonist, in cats with arterial thromboembolism; $18,728
Elizabeth Rozanski, DVM, DACVIM, DACVECC; Gareth Buckley MA, VetMB, MRCVS, DACVECC; Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, Tufts University.

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is a very common heart disease in cats. One of the most devastating complications of heart disease is development of blood clots called feline aortic thromboembolism (ATE), which cuts off the blood supply to one or more limbs. ATE is associated with a survival rate of less than 40% despite multiple efforts to try to improve outcomes. It is important to cats and their owners to be able to offer an intervention that improves survival with a good quality of life. Cats are recognized to have “reactive” blood vessels, and this response may worsen the outcome in ATE. The arteries in cats suffering from ATE will release various chemicals including one called endothelin. Endothelin causes an increased tendency to form more clots, and promotes severe inflammation and narrowing of collateral vessels supplying areas behind the site of the clot. Bosentan is a drug used successfully in people to treat various diseases such as coronary artery disease. This study looks to determine the effectiveness of bosentan in the treatment of cats with ATE.

BRIA FUND PROJECT:
W12-026: Anti-immune evasive therapy in the treatment of FIP - a randomized, controlled clinical trial; $24,962
This project is available for sponsorship.
Prof. Dr. Hans Nauwynck; Sabine Gleich, DVM; Laboratory of Virology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Belgium.

Feline coronavirus exists in two forms: a less harmful (avirulent) strain that can cause mild enteritis and a highly pathogenic (virulent) strain that causes a progressive and usually fatal disease known as feline infectious peritonitis (FIP). Cats living in multi‐cat environments (e.g., shelter cats or cats in breeding catteries) are at a particularly high risk to develop FIP. An effective therapy is currently not available and affected cats usually succumb to their disease. Previous research has shown that FIP virus can evade the host’s immune system and that a specific blocking agent can inhibit this evasion mechanism. In this project, the investigators want to evaluate the efficacy of the inhibitor as a treatment for FIP in 10 naturally infected cats. The goal of this study is to improve the quality of life and survival of FIP affected cats by enabling the host’s immune system to recognize and destroy infected cells.

BREED-FUNDED PROJECTS
W12-009: Fine mapping for Sphynx cat hypertrophic cardiomyopathy gene; $24,674
Kathryn Meurs, DVM, PhD, DACVIM; North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine. This study is partially funded by the efforts of Sphynx breeders and owners.

Feline hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is the most common cause of heart disease in the adult cat. Affected cats are at risk of sudden death, breathing difficulties or development of a blood clot. Feline HCM is noted to be inherited in the Maine Coon and Ragdoll breeds. In these two breeds, causative genetic mutations have been associated with the development of the disease. This project will continue the study of HCM in the Sphynx breed. A genome wide association study has identified a particular chromosomal area as a region of interest associated with the development of HCM. A close evaluation of this chromosomal region of interest will follow to determine the gene and ultimately the causative genetic mutation. Ultimately, the identification of a genetic cause for HCM in the Sphynx can be used to reduce the prevalence of the disease in this breed and provide information on this disease in many other breeds of cats as well.

W12-022: Molecular characterization of Bengal progressive retinal atrophy; $4,221
Robert A. Grahn, PhD; University of California – Davis.

This study has received partial funding from Winn according to our guidelines for breed-specific projects. Please donate so that the project may be fully funded.

Inherited blindness is a devastating disease common to many mammalian species. In people, over 25 different forms of inherited retinal blindness have been clinically characterized. Cats also have several forms of blindness that destroy the photoreceptors at the back of the eye. These conditions will randomly occur in a particular cat breed and then will be inherited. Some forms of blindness attack the photoreceptors shortly after birth, while other forms take longer to destroy the layer of the eye responsible for vision. Several Bengal cats have been diagnosed with a form of blindness that destroys their vision at around 5 months of age. A genome wide association case control study has indicated a candidate region for Bengal PRA. This proposal will obtain the sequence of the RNA and DNA of this gene to identify the mutation causing Bengal PRA and allow for the development of a genetic test to help reduce the prevalence of blindness in this breed.

NEW PROJECTS
W12-005: Immunohistochemical quantification of the transcobalamin II protein (TCII) and receptor (TCII-R) in naturally occurring feline tumors; $17,663
Annette M. Sysel, DVM, MS; Joseph A. Bauer, PhD; Bauer Research Foundation, Akron OH.

Cancer affects 4 million cats annually in the United States, and accounts for approximately 32% of disease-related feline deaths. There are only two FDA-approved drugs available for the treatment of cancer in animals and they are labeled exclusively for use in dogs. Current treatment of cancer in cats is based largely on extrapolation from human and canine therapies. Cancer cells rely on vitamin-B12 (cobalamin) for cell growth. Cancer cells produce transport proteins to scavenge vitamin-B12, and they express more vitamin-B12 receptors on their surface than healthy cells. Current research is focusing on the use of vitamin-B12 in tumor imaging as well as anti-tumor therapy. Nitrosylcobalamin (NO-Cbl), an anti-tumor drug, uses vitamin-B12 to target cancer cells where the vitamin-B12 is bound to nitric oxide. Nitric oxide is toxic to cancer cells. NO-Cbl is bound to transport proteins and carried to the receptors on the cancer cells, delivering a toxic nitric oxide payload. Toxicity to other cells is avoided since cancer cells express more vitamin-B12 receptors than normal cells and nitric oxide release occurs only inside the cells. Vitamin-B12 transport protein and receptor expression has never been studied in feline tumors. The purpose of this study is to quantify this protein and receptor expression in feline tumors using immunohistochemical staining. Results from this study will be used to identify feline tumors susceptible to vitamin-B12-based imaging and treatment with drugs such as NO-Cbl.

W12-027: Development of outcome assessment instruments for chronic pain in cats; $24,513
This project is available for sponsorship.
Dorothy Cimino Brown, DVM, DACVS; University of Pennsylvania.

Cats are unique. They cannot benefit from the same pain fighting medications used in dogs, because they may cause serious side-effects in cats. It is crucial that pain-fighting, safe and effective medications are identified for cats. Studies must be carefully designed in order to prove that the potential new treatment option is effective. A major obstacle is the lack of reliable methods to measure pain in cats, thus proving treatment is appropriately effective. The goal of this study is to develop tools that can measure pain in cats and therefore appropriately design studies that will identify new treatments. The first tool is the “Feline Brief Pain Inventory”, which will be an owner completed questionnaire that will allow them to identify and report on how their cat behaves at home. The second tool is an activity monitor that can be worn on the cat’s collar while it progresses through its normal activities at home. Ultimately the monitor might identify the improved activity that can be related to adequate pain control.

W12-034: Decontamination of household textiles exposed to Microsporum canis spores; $5,363
This project is available for sponsorship.
Karen A. Moriello, DVM DACVD; University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Ringworm is a superficial fungal skin disease that affects all animals, including cats. In cats, the most commonly isolated pathogen is Microsporum canis. This disease is important because it is highly contagious to cats and transmitted to people making it a public health concern. Ringworm can infect any cat, but the most commonly infected are the most adoptable (kittens and young cats), old cats with other illnesses, and cats in animal shelters or rescue organizations. Treatment can be challenging because infected cats shed large amounts of infective material (spores and infected hairs) into the environment. Effective cleaning is necessary to prevent spore contamination of the environment and prevent cats from becoming re-infected or “dust mop carriers”. There is no evidence-based information available for household textiles-fabric, clothing, carpeting, etc. The purpose of this study is to determine the efficacy of decontamination options for household textiles with a goal of identifying safe and effective practices.

W12-039: Administration of pimobendan to cats with chronic kidney disease; $20,000
This project is available for sponsorship.
Mary Anna Labato, DVM, DACVIM; Brandi R. Gallagher, DVM; John Rush DVM, MS,
DACVECC, DVM; Tufts University College of Veterinary Medicine.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is one of the most common reasons geriatric cats present to the veterinarian. CKD is considered irreversible and progressive, and effective treatments are limited. A common co-existing condition often appreciated in feline CKD patients is heart disease. Two of the investigators in this study have administered pimobendan to cats with combined kidney and heart disease. The patients had developed congestive heart failure (CHF) secondary to intravenous fluid administration, a typical standard of care for kidney disease. In some of these patients, addition of pimobendan resulted in a greater improvement in kidney values and clinical response. Tolerability and safety of this drug has already been established in cats with heart disease. This will be a pilot study to assess the tolerability of pimobendan in cats with CKD and search for benefits in comparison to the current standard of care. Investigating these observations in a larger study will help establish whether pimobendan could be a novel treatment for cats with CKD.

W12-040: “Wool sucking” behaviour in Siamese and Birman cats; $16,109
Nicholas Dodman, BVMS, DACVB; Edward Ginns, MD, PhD; Tufts Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine.

“Wool sucking” is a behavioral condition that involves the repetitive searching, suckling, chewing and ingestion of non-food items. While items made of wool can be the preferred substrate, cats may also seek out and chew items made of cotton, rubber, nylon, paper, cardboard and plastic. A negative consequence of this behavior is breakdown of the human-animal bond due to owners’ frustration with property damage. In its most severe form, the cat cannot be maintained safely as an indoor cat. While wool sucking behavior can occur in any cat breed, the incidence is higher in oriental breeds, suggesting a genetic susceptibility. To identify potential genetic components of the compulsive “wool sucking” behavior in cats, DNA samples will be collected via saliva from normal and affected Siamese and Birman cats. Since “wool sucking” is an excellent animal model of human obsessive-compulsive behaviors, the identification of a genetic cause could lead to development of carrier testing, as well as better treatment options for both cats and humans with these disorders.

W12-042: Development and in vitro optimization of hydrogels for the delivery of FHV specific siRNAs encapsulated in chitosan nanoparticles; $17,785
Rebecca P. Wilkes, DVM, PhD; Scott Lenaghan, PhD; Christopher P. Stephens, MS, PhD; The University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine.

Feline herpesvirus-1 (FHV-1) typically causes respiratory disease in cats; however, chronic recurrent infections can cause severe eye disease often leading to blindness. Currently there is no effective treatment for these chronic cases. Previous Winn funding has helped investigators design a therapeutic agent, small interfering RNAs (siRNAs), which uses the cell’s own machinery to inhibit viral replication through the targeting of essential herpesvirus genes. Investigators have developed a nanoparticle delivery vehicle composed of chitosan, a nontoxic substance to package these siRNAs for delivery into cells. The goal of this study is to develop a hydrogel, similar to a soft contact lens, for delivery of the nanoparticles. The hydrogel can be directly placed in the cat’s eye allowing successful drug uptake and provide extended continuous delivery of the FHV-1 specific siRNAs into the cells. This study will potentially lead to development of a product suitable for use in cats’ eyes for treatment of FHV-1.

Winn has funded over $4 million in feline health research – read about our other projects.
Our projects are funded by generous donations from cat lovers around the world – donate now to help us fund next year’s projects.

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Coronavirus in California shelter cats

noreply@blogger.com (Winn Feline Foundation) — Mon, 02 Apr 2012 10:00:00 +0000

Final report, Winn grant W10-036, a Bria Fund project
Molecular prevalence and viral load of replicating feline coronavirus in the bloodstream of healthy shelter cats in southern California
Investigators: Pedro Paulo Diniz, Yvonne Drechsler, Linda Kidd, Frank Bossong, Ellen Collisson; Western University of Health Science, Pomona, CA

Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) remains a serious disease affecting cats, and while much remains unknown, research supported by Winn Feline Foundation is helping to shed light on this enigmatic disease. One of the major challenges of FIP is often the diagnosis; since a diagnosis of FIP is currently essentially a death sentence, accurate appraisal is vital. Unfortunately, the disease often presents with vague signs, and laboratory testing seldom offers any conclusive information. FIP is associated with feline coronavirus infection. However, the majority of cats infected with this virus never suffer any significant disease; thus, testing for the virus in suspected cases is also inconclusive, regardless of the result.

In order to better understand all parameters associated with disease production, these researchers wanted to examine characteristics of virus infection in otherwise healthy cats. Perhaps distinctions from those suffering from FIP could be identified to aid diagnosis. To do this, they assessed the amount of virus actually replicating in the blood of over 200 shelter cats in California.

Interestingly, they found that the incidence of actual replicating virus was quite low in the blood, even in cats that were actively shedding virus in their feces. The level of viral replication in cats with FIP is frequently fairly high, but in healthy cats, at least in the population tested by these investigators, actively replicating virus in the blood is quite low despite known infection. Thus, detecting high levels of replicating virus in the blood may be a useful diagnostic tool for FIP cases, and would allow distinction of harmless coronavirus infection from FIP. In order to validate these results, the investigators plan to test all cats for the presence of antibodies to the virus which would provide a picture of how prevalent infection, past or present, is among this population. [MK]

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Cryptococcus infections in cats

noreply@blogger.com (Winn Feline Foundation) — Thu, 29 Mar 2012 10:00:00 +0000

Trivedi SR, Sykes JE, Cannon MS, et al. Clinical features and epidemiology of cryptococcosis in cats and dogs in California: 93 cases (1988–2010). J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2011; 239: 357-69.

Cryptococcus organisms

Cryptococcosis is a deep mycotic infection found worldwide and is the most common systemic mycosis of cats. The nasal cavity is suspected as the initial site of cryptococcal infection in cats. Other sites of involvement in cats include the skin, lymph nodes, central nervous system, eyes, and lungs. This study is a retrospective case series comparing clinical features of cryptococcosis among cats and dogs in California. Sixty-two cats had a confirmed diagnosis of cryptococcosis in the study. Diagnosis of cryptococcosis can be made through the cytological examination of smears or histologic evaluation of tissue samples. Latex agglutination assays of serum, urine, or cerebrospinal fluid have been used with increasing frequency to diagnose cryptococcosis. Serum cryptococcal antigen test results were positive in 51 of 52 cats. Cryptococcus gattii, primarily molecular type VGIII, was the species most commonly detected in cats. The greater number of cats had nasal or upper respiratory signs and cutaneous masses. [VT]

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New tools for investigating feline diseases

noreply@blogger.com (Winn Feline Foundation) — Mon, 26 Mar 2012 14:56:00 +0000

Final report, Winn grant W11-041
DNA Array Analyses for Cat Diseases
Investigator: Leslie Lyons, University of California, Davis

Analysis of the cat genome can lead to identification of genetic predispositions or mutations linked with certain feline diseases. To this end, these researchers have assisted in the preparation of DNA microarrays and test sampling using these arrays for genetic links to disease. These arrays can assess the entire genome of the cat within one project’s time frame, which is known as a genome-wide association study (GWAS). In this situation, the cats used for a GWAS can be from a population, not direct relatives. This is a large step forward in the field of cat genomics.

Each of eight projects in this laboratory assisted by this grant has led to the identification of candidate genes and one causative mutation has already been identified. Because of the support of the Winn Feline Foundation, this technology is now being used to examine potential genetic links to diseases such as feline infectious peritonitis, hypokalemia in Burmese cats, and myopathy in Sphynx cats. One manuscript on hypokalemia in Burmese cats is currently in preparation and eight additional publications are likely to follow.

The availability of DNA microarrays was assisted by the work of the Cat Health Network, a coalition of groups (Winn Feline Foundation, Morris Animal Foundation, American Assoc. of Feline Practitioners, American Veterinary Medical Foundation) committed to improving feline health and welfare. The Cat Health Network announced the funding of several feline genomic research projects in September 2011. [MK]

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Cats: nutrition and lifestyle choices

noreply@blogger.com (Winn Feline Foundation) — Thu, 22 Mar 2012 10:00:00 +0000

Zoran DL and Buffington CAT. Effects of nutrition choices and lifestyle changes on the well-being of cats, a carnivore that has moved indoors. J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2011; 239: 596-606.

Cats have lived on the outer edges of human society for many thousands of years. However, domestication has changed cats relatively little. Diet options for cats in the wild have included consumption of small mammals, birds, and insects. These are meat or protein-based diets that contain little carbohydrate. Cats, as a species, are strictly carnivorous. In many societies, they have been removed from their former free-roaming, active existence to a captive, indoor, sedentary one. They have also gone from consuming frequent, small meals of animals they could catch and kill to consuming prepared diets of human choosing.

Cats have specific requirements for certain nutrients, such as arachidonic acid, vitamins A and D and many B vitamins (niacin in particular), and the amino acids taurine, and arginine, which cannot be endogenously synthesized in large enough amounts to meet their needs. They have a very distinct need for large amounts of dietary protein that sets them apart from other mammals. This need becomes very important when cats are not eating well, are consuming diets containing poor-quality protein, or not consuming a sufficient amount of dietary protein to meet their needs. Too long a time period with inadequate protein intake can result in various abnormalities. These abnormalities include loss of muscle mass, abnormal energy metabolism, and reduced or poor immune function, reduced protein available for structural repair, and abnormal function of critical metabolic pathways.

Protein intake is being looked at closely in the composition of diets fed to achieve weight loss. The amount of protein intake in relationship to carbohydrate and fat intake is also being studied in other conditions such as urolithiasis, inflammatory bowel disease, and diabetes mellitus. It is important to note that although meeting basic nutritional needs is necessary for maintenance of health and well-being of cats, it may not be sufficient in itself to assure a healthy existence. [VT]

Related articles: Zoran D. The carnivore connection to nutrition in cats. J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2002; 221: 1559-67.

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Development of new therapies for FIP

noreply@blogger.com (Winn Feline Foundation) — Mon, 19 Mar 2012 10:00:00 +0000

Final report, Winn grant W10-037
Development of FIP Therapeutics in a Mouse Model
Investigator: Gary R. Whittaker, Cornell University

Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) is a lethal systemic infection in cats, caused by a virulent biotype (FIPV) of feline coronavirus (FCoV). Infection by FCoV normally causes mild and often inapparent enteritis, in which case the virus is referred to as feline enteric coronavirus. Like many other viral systems, coronaviruses are activated by host cell proteases, and mutations on the viral spike protein can lead to changes in the activating protease and increased pathogenicity. FIPV is highly dependent on cathepsin B, an activating protease, for cell entry and replication.

Young cat with dry (non-effusive) FIP

Therefore, these investigators have focused on testing cathepsin B as an effective anti-viral treatment for FIPV. The researchers developed a mouse model for FIP development and tested the new therapeutic using that model. They utilized two different types of the virus inhibitor, and found that the second one tried, known as MDL21870, worked well in the mouse model. This is an important first step in development of effective FIP therapeutics. [MK]

Related articles: Legendre AM and Bartges JW. Effect of polyprenyl immunostimulant on the survival times of three cats with the dry form of feline infectious peritonitis. J Feline Med Surg. 2009; 11: 624-6.

Winn’s 33rd Annual Symposium on Feline Health (2011) – Focus on FIP: lecture notes and audio recordings

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Dietary protein and kidney function in cats

noreply@blogger.com (Winn Feline Foundation) — Thu, 15 Mar 2012 10:00:00 +0000

Backlund B, Zoran DL, Nabity MB, Norby B and Bauer JE. Effects of dietary protein content on renal parameters in normal cats. J Feline Med Surg. 2011; 13: 698-704.

High dietary protein levels are essential in kittens during the growth phase and are considered beneficial for cats throughout all life stages. With a larger focus on obesity and diabetes in cats in the past 20 years, there has been an increasing awareness of high protein (HP) diets [>45% metabolizable energy] in the management of both diseases. Meat is the major source of protein in HP diets and this contributes to increased intake of creatine and creatinine, which can result in increased serum creatinine concentrations. This study evaluated the effect of dietary protein content on renal parameters in 23 healthy spayed female cats. The objective was to determine if cats eating diets high in protein would have higher serum urea nitrogen (UN) and creatinine values without a detectable change in kidney function. The cats were fed in two phases—in the first phase, they were randomly assigned either a (HP) or low protein diet. For the second phase, the cats were fed whichever diet they were not fed in the first phase. Blood and urine samples were collected every 2 weeks during the 10-week long study period. The study results noted that dietary intake could result in statistically significant changes in UN and several other biochemical analytes, although all analytes stayed within normal reference intervals. This information illustrates a need to obtain an accurate dietary history in cat patients in order to account for dietary influences on renal parameters, especially UN. [VT]

Related articles: Wei A, Fascetti AJ, Liu KJ, et al. Influence of a high-protein diet on energy balance in obese cats allowed ad libitum access to food. J Anim Physiol Anim Nutr (Berl). 2011; 95: 359-67.

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Treatment of feline acromegaly

noreply@blogger.com (Winn Feline Foundation) — Mon, 12 Mar 2012 10:00:00 +0000

Final report, Winn grant W10-017
Evaluation of a long-acting somatostatin receptor ligand for the treatment of feline acromegaly
Investigator: K.F. Lunn, Colorado State University

Acromegaly results from chronic excessive growth hormone secretion from a tumor of the pituitary gland. Cats with acromegaly exhibit insulin resistance leading to diabetes mellitus which can be difficult to control, along with enlarged organs, soft tissues and bony structures, and cardiac and renal disease. Once considered rare, current information suggests that acromegaly is significantly underdiagnosed.
An effective treatment could lead to wider awareness of this disorder in cats. This study examined the use of a drug used in humans for acromegaly called octreotide, a somatostin receptor ligand. The researchers found that octreotide appears to be safe in cats, but not all cats benefited from its use. At the dose and duration of treatment these investigators used, octreotide was not found to be therapeutically effective for acromegaly. This study should aid treatment decisions for cats with this condition. [MK]

Related articles: Niessen SJM. Feline Acromegaly: An essential differential diagnosis for the difficult diabetic. J Feline Med Surg. 2010; 12: 15-23.

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Raw food diets for kittens

noreply@blogger.com (Winn Feline Foundation) — Thu, 08 Mar 2012 11:00:00 +0000

Progress report, Winn grant 09-002
Nutritional adequacy and performance of raw food diets in kittens
Investigators: Beth Hamper, Claudia Kirk, Joe Bartges
University of Tennessee

This study examined the feeding of a raw diet and its effects on kittens. The feeding trials have been completed using 24 kittens and two different raw food diets (homemade and commercial). The control diet was a commercially available kitten food. Weight gain over a 10-week period was at the high end of previously determined data for all kittens. Male kittens had higher weight gain than females, but all diets performed equally well. Blood protein and amino acid levels were in the normal range. Evidence of Salmonella infection was evident in some kittens fed the raw diet, but was not clinically significant.

Both raw diets met the claims for nutritional adequacy. White blood cell counts were slightly elevated in the kittens fed the homemade raw diet, likely a reflection of the higher microbial content. Innate immunity appeared to function at a higher level in the kittens fed a raw diet. One litter of 4 kittens experienced diarrhea. Overgrowth of Clostridium perfringens was later documented; this bacterium thrives in the gut on high protein diets. Two of the litters had diarrhea due to Anaerobiosprillium spp, a normal flora but capable of causing disease. Digestibility was highest for the raw diets, leading to less fecal matter. A final report will be available upon completion of the primary investigator’s dissertation. [MK]

Related articles: Stiver S, Frazier K, Mauel M and Styer E. Septicemic salmonellosis in two cats fed a raw-meat diet. J Am Anim Hosp Assoc. 2003; 39: 538-42.

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