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. More on cat health:
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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. More on cat health:
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Winn grant W12-039Administration of pimobendan to cats with chronic kidney diseaseInvestigators: 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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Winn grant W12-039Administration of pimobendan to cats with chronic kidney diseaseInvestigators: Mary Anna Labato, Brandi R. Gallagher, John Rush; Tufts UniversityChronic 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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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 Officermwalsh@winnfelinehealth.org
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 Officermwalsh@winnfelinehealth.org
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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]
