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-- Forwarded message --
From: Susan Little DVM [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Date: Mar 10, 2007 3:49 PM
Subject: [Persian_Rescue] Winn Feline Foundation Announces 2007 Grant
Recipients
To: list suppressed Recipient
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 9, 2007
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION
Janet Wolf, Executive Director
Phone: 856-447-9798
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
Susan Little DVM, President
Phone: 613-741-2460
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
Winn Feline Foundation Announces 2007 Grant Recipients: Eight studies
funded for a total of $127,544
The Winn Feline Foundation is pleased to receive proposals from
veterinary researchers around the world who are interested in
improving feline health. Out of 40 proposals for 2007, our team of
outstanding veterinary consultants helped the Foundation select the
best studies for funding. We look forward to seeing the results of
these studies and being able to share them with the veterinary
community as well as cat owners and pedigreed cat breeders. For
complete information on these studies, please visit us at:
www.winnfelinehealth.org
Targeted gene mapping in gaps of the feline-human comparative map
William J. Murphy, PhD; Texas AM University; $14,585
The male-specific region of the mammalian Y chromosome is
particularly unique, and is perhaps the single most divergent region
in mammalian genomes among species. This project will isolate cat Y
chromosome genes, and determine which may be good candidates for
abnormal sperm function.
Molecular characterization of feline COX-2 and expression in mammary
cancer
Monique Doré, DVM, MSc, PhD, DACVP; University of Montreal; $15,000
Tumors originating from the mammary gland represent one of the most
frequent forms of cancer in cats. However, very little information
is known on the mechanisms involved in the development of this
cancer. A better understanding of the role of COX-2 in feline
mammary cancer will help design new strategies for cancer therapy and
prevention in cats.
[This study was partially funded by the efforts of the Siamese Breed
Council and many other interested breeders.]
Molecular evaluation of the feline myosin heavy chain gene in
Ragdolls, Norwegian Forest cats and Sphynx with familial hypertrophic
cardiomyopathy
Kathryn M. Meurs, DVM, PhD, DACVIM; Washington State University;
$31,550
Feline hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is the most common cause of
heart disease in the adult cat. Increasingly, feline HCM is suspected
to be inherited, with examples noted in the Maine Coon, Ragdoll,
Norwegian Forest Cat and Sphynx breeds, among others. The researchers
hypothesize that a mutation in the myosin heavy chain gene is
associated with the development of HCM in one or all of these breeds.
[This study was largely funded by the efforts of Ragdoll, Norwegian
Forest Cat and Sphynx breeders. This study was also supported by the
Ricky Fund, a fund for the study of feline hypertrophic
cardiomyopathy established by Steve Dale in memory of his cat, Ricky.]
Prevalence and risk factors for venereal Tritrichomonas foetus
infection
Jody L. Gookin, DVM, PhD; North Carolina State University; $12,465
Tritrichomonas foetus (TF) is a protozoan pathogen that infects the
feline colon resulting in chronic, foul-smelling diarrhea. The
infection is very common, especially in multi-cat environments. The
researcher has noted that male cats are often the ones failing
treatment for TF infection, leading them to surmise that TF may also
reside in the reproductive tract of cats. Venereal involvement in
feline TF may explain cases of treatment failure and the high
prevalence of disease in some breeding programs.
Evidence of effective drug delivery using transdermal gel delivery
systems in cats
Dawn Boothe, DVM, PhD, DACVIM, DACVCP; Auburn University, $14,990
The administration of drugs using a transdermal gel applied to the
ear is popular among cat owners because of ease of administration.
This study will examine the ability of gels to deliver drugs into the
bloodstream of cats following several days to weeks of therapy. Drugs
to be studied will be among those most commonly administered as a gel
(prednisolone/prednisone, methimazole and metronidazole).
Characterization of feline immune responses to recombinant DNA
vaccines against avian H5N1 influenza virus
Elizabeth W. Uhl, DVM, PhD, DACVP; University of Georgia; $15,000
The discovery that cats can be infected with bird (H5N1) flu, and can
transmit the disease to other cats has increased concerns about their
risk of infection and role in transmission. The goal of this project
is to develop a recombinant DNA vaccine that induces protective
immune responses in cats. To achieve this goal, the researchers have
assembled a collaborative team with the expertise to make the
vaccines, assess feline immune responses, and ensure the proper and
humane handling of cats.
Detection of anti-erythrocyte antibodies in cats with anemia
Kristy L. Dowers, DVM, MS, DACVIM; Colorado State University; $8,954
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