Highlights of CCAH-Supported Research
The Center for Companion Animal Health has provided essential funding to assist the following landmark programs and research accomplishments:
- First companion animal hemodialysis program in the United States, and the first hemodialysis worldwide for cats with kidney failure.
- First residency program in veterinary genetics (worldwide)
- First academic program in Shelter Medicine, dedicated to improving the health and adoptability of animals in animal shelters. For more information see the Koret Shelter Medicine Program web site.
- First Shelter Medicine Residency (worldwide)
- Discovered vaccination could cause a type of cancer (fibrosarcoma) in cats
- Discovered that low taurine levels in commercial cat food caused a devastating but common heart disease in cats. Once taurine was added to the diet, the disease was virtually eliminated.
- Foundational research into feline husbandry and infectious diseases including feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) aka "feline AIDS"; feline coronavirus (FECV); feline calicivirus; and feline infectious peritonitis (FIP). (For more information about FIP research, see the "SOCK FIP" web site).
- Identifying optimal requirements, metabolism and toxicity levels: Vitamins A, B, K, Choline and chloride for cats
- Described the ultrastructure of urinary calculi in cats
- Copper influences reproductive efficiency in queens
- Nutritional requirements of growing kittens: Folate, Vitamin D & kidney effects
- Determining causes/risk factors for and the management of cats living in multi-cat facilities
- Evaluation and development of surgical technique: Fit & geometry in total hip replacement
- Discovered decreased zinc in pregnant queens results in cleft palate of kittens
- Development of a panel of monoclonal antibodies for feline leukocyte antigens
- Diagnostics - using non-invasive urine dipstick for detection of cancer
- Gastrointestinal: Helicobacter - association with G.I. disorders
- Linking Pregnancy failure in cats with low taurine levels
- Molecular cloning of Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (Feline AIDS)
- Veterinary Physical Rehabilitation: CCAH fundraised and built the facility
- Identified a gene mutation responsible for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
- Identified a gene genetic mutation for polycystic kidney disease in cats
- Scientific Conferences and Events over several years: Sponsored Hypothyroid, Alternative Pets, Genomics, Feline Inherited Diseases, Cancer, Behavior, etc.
- CCAH Building - fundraised for and added clinical and research space including: lobby, treatment rooms, conference rooms, exam rooms, horse and dog stalls, clinical and research offices, cancer and genetics laboratories and support rooms, medical and radiation oncology, receiving areas for 7 services, major equipment (RT); 2nd floor terrace/seating, outside gardens and planters, courtyards, dog exercise areas, lawn and sitting areas.
- Linear Accelerator - CCAH was pivotal in acquiring this machine and assisted faculty in fundraising for the suite and stereotactic radio surgery program for cancer treatment
- Hemodialysis Unit Renovation – improves clinical and research applications and opportunities by upgrading to add Blood Purification and other capabilities.
