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TAKING AND STORING DNA FROM LITTERS OF KITTENS |
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UC Davis researchers recommend that breeders take and store DNA samples from all kittens in litters after weaning, and label and save them in their homes. They should also include samples from the parents whenever possible.
To obtain these samples, take four or five cheek swabs for each individual kitten or cat (please see the instructions on how to take DNA swabs on this website). Put the samples for each kitten or cat in a separate envelope labeled with the kitten or cat's name, registration number if available, and date the swabs were taken. Stored in a dry environment such as a drawer or closet these samples will last indefinitely.
If any of these individual cats should develop FIP later in life (most that will be affected do so within 4-16 months), swabs will be available for testing for affected cats and healthy siblings, as well as parents. While parents may be swabbed several times over a period of years as new litters are born, it is helpful to keep swabs of parents with those of their kittens. Some of these parents may also ultimately die of FIP after siring or birthing one or more litters, and if you always keep swabs of parents with their litters, you will always have all of the samples that you need to reconstruct an extended family pedigree.
If breeders were to do this on a permanent basis, they would easily have three generation or more pedigrees within 3-5 years or so. Very extended pedigrees, with samples, could then be easily obtained by breeders working together to assemble them. Such a program would not only provide samples for FIP research, but also be available for research on other traits that might presently exist in the breed or occur in the future. |
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Newsflash
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WINNing the FIP Fight: Veterinarians Reveal the Latest at Winn Feline Symposium |
Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP) might be the most dreaded diagnosis for cats. That's because it usually happens to babies, little kittens. FIP - up 'till now - has always been considered a fatal disease. Finally, it seems, there may be hope - at least for some cats with FIP.
To announce new directions in FIP research, and actual successes, world renown researchers Dr. Niels Pederson, director for the Center of Companion Animal Health at the University of California School of Veterinary Medicine, Davis and Dr. Al Legendre, professor at the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine, Knoxville headline the 2011 Winn Feline Foundation Symposium, WINNing the FIP Fight, June 23, 6:45 p.m. at the Hyatt Regency Reston Town Center (1800 Presidents Street), Reston, VA. The seminar event, includes Q & A time, and dinner for $45. Proceeds benefit the Winn Feline Foundation Bria Fund, which provides funding for FIP research.
To read the complete article, please go to Steve Dale's Pet World website here.
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LEGACY OF COMPASSION: SALLY MORGAN-WELCH AND HER FAMILY FOUNDATION ENGAGE IN THE BATTLE AGAINST FIP |
Sally Morgan-Welch noticed that her rescued cat Jakey was lethargic and losing weight. Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP)—a nearly always fatal systemic viral disease caused by a mutation in the coronavirus—was suspected. But it wasn’t until he continued his rapid descent and had to be euthanized that the veterinarians were able to determine without a doubt that Jakey had been suffering from the disease.
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