Osteoporosis study, University of Melbourne
When working at the University of Melbourne, Dr Linda Abraham and Dr Sue Bennett asked for assistance with the collection of urine samples and bone density measurements from cats six years of age or older. These studies aimed to help answer whether cats are likely to develop weak bones when suffering from age-onset conditions such as hyperthyroidism or chronic renal failure.
Hypokalaemic Myopathy in Burmese cats, University of Sydney
Previously Dr Richard Malik had requested assistance with blood samples from Burmese cats affected or related to cats with Hypokalaemic Myopathy. This study was part of an international group encompassing feline clinicians in collaboration with Professor Leslie Lyons and her post-doctoral fellow, Dr Barbara Gandolfi who conducted a genome-wide association scan using the new Illumina feline SNP chip. DNA sequencing revealed there was a gene mutation affecting normal production of a particular enzyme (WNK4) in the kidney resulting in excessive potassium loss into the urine. This was the cause of the Hypokalaemia, which in turn caused the muscle weakness and other signs.
A PCR laboratory diagnostic test for Hypokalemia has been developed and is now offered commercially to any breeder or veterinarian (at UC Davis and at the University of Bristol) and will not only confirm the diagnosis in cats showing signs, but identify carriers. The results of this international study have been published in the online open access journal PLoS One 7(12) e53713 in December 2012.
Feline Behavior study, East Chatswood Cat Clinic, NSW
As part of her interest in cat behavior, Dr Kim Kendall contacted the FHRF for help with conducting some research into feline behavior. Dr Kendall and Dr Jacqui Ley have completed their studies, presented their results at the International Veterinary Behavior Meeting in Italy in June 2007, and published them in Journal of Veterinary Behavior: Clinical Applications and Research 3(6): 244–247 in November 2008. Dr Kendall thanked the supporters of the FHRF for their participation in the research survey. Dr Kendall and Dr Ley are both Members of the Australian College of Veterinary Scientists in Animal Behavior as they are Veterinary Behaviorists.
Feline orofacial pain syndrome, cutaneous asthenia and diabetes mellitus in Burmese cat study, University of Sydney, December 2012
Dr Richard Malik, University of Sydney, requested assistance with one ml blood samples in EDTA from Burmese cats affected with feline orofacial pain syndrome, cutaneous asthenia (Ehlers Danlos syndrome; or “stretchy skin disease”) and diabetes mellitus (sugar diabetes). This study was part of collaboration with an expanded group of veterinarians and scientists that aims to identify the genes responsible for these conditions in Burmese cats.
