Tooth resorption, cognitive dysfunction syndrome, and oral squamous cell carcinoma are among the topics of six newly funded feline-focused studies. Morris Animal Foundation has announced grants for veterinary researchers at Colorado State University (CSU), University of Wisconsin-Madison, and others. The projects, which are slated to begin in 2023, will focus specifically on feline health issues. “Cats are an important part of so many people’s lives,” says the foundation’s vice president of scientific operations, Kathy Tietje, PhD, MBA. “Investment in research advancing their health and well-being continues to be a priority for the foundation. We’re proud to contribute to the science of feline health everywhere by providing financial support for these innovative studies.” Recipients are: Anne Avery, VMD, PhD, of CSU, who will investigate the origin and pathogenesis of feline intestinal lymphoma Susannah Sample, DVM, MS, PhD, DACVS, of the University of Wisconsin-Madison, who will investigate the genetic foundation of tooth resorption in cats Maciej Parys, PhD, of the University of Edinburgh in the United Kingdom, who will look at genome-wide CRISPR knockout screening to identify novel therapeutic targets of feline oral squamous cell carcinoma Gillian McLellan, BVMS, PhD, DACVO, DECVO, DVOphthal, MRCVS, FARVO, of the University of Wisconsin-Madison, who will investigate delineating age-related neuropathology and correlations with behavioral abnormalities in feline cognitive dysfunction syndrome Terza Brostoff, DVM, PhD, of the University of California, Davis (UC Davis), who will explore foundational steps toward a novel feline infectious peritonitis mRNA vaccine Shirley Chu, DVM, PhD, DACVIM, of the University of Missouri, who will begin phase one (of two) of a clinical trial evaluating tolerability, efficacy, and immune modulation with spatially fractionated lattice stereotactic radiation therapy in feline oral squamous cell carcinoma
