current studies
In 2008, Morris Animal Foundation will fund about 120 new and continuing studies for dogs, cats, horses, llamas/alpacas, and wildlife as well as 30 veterinary student projects.
We also have numerous studies nearing completion. You can search our current study database by species and/or disease to learn more about the studies we are funding in the areas you care most about. The results will also show you whether a study is available for sponsorship.
INSTRUCTIONS - Select a division from the left column, a disease or disorder from the middle column, and a study ID number from the right column.
D07FE-002: “Felinine Metabolites: Novel Markers for Early Diagnosis of Chronic Renal Disease?”
principal investigator: Dr. Kay Rutherfurd-Markwick, Massey University, New Zealand
needs sponsorship
Co-sponsors: anonymous; Marty and Hal Hendershot
year: 1 of 1: $23,945.00
Chronic renal disease (CRD) is a leading cause of death in cats. Due to testing limitations, CRD can currently be diagnosed only after the majority of the kidney tissue has been destroyed. This late diagnosis limits the veterinarian’s ability to intervene at an early stage when the progression of the disease could be slowed. The detection of microalbuminuria in the urine recently has been promoted as an indicator of early CRD in cats; however, up to 70 percent of healthy, geriatric cats may test positive without having renal failure. An alternative quantitative laboratory test that can detect disease with greater sensitivity is needed. This research will evaluate a simple urine test that measures the concentration of a urine compound called felinine and its byproducts. This could provide an early diagnostic test that would detect disease before clinical signs are apparent, allowing for early treatment intervention and increased long-term survivability.
