Cats have 19 chromosome pairs, 18 autosomes
and the sex chromosome pair, X and Y. Females are 36, XX and males are 36,
XY. The chromosomes of a cat can be easily distinguishable under a microscope
due to their various shapes and sizes and banding patterns with chemical stains.
A picture of the cats chromosomes is called a "Karyotype". A karyotypic
analysis will determine if a cat has structurally normal chromosomes and/or
a normal number of chromosomes. To visualize the chromosomes, nucleated cells,
generally white blood cells, must be synchronized so that that freeze during
a certain point of cell division, metaphase of mitosis.
Cats that are born with physical abnormalities
(congential) may have abnormal chromosomes and/or an abnormal number of chromosomes.
Common chromosomal abnormalities include alterations of the sex chromosomes,
the X and Y chromosome. Abnormalities in the sex chromosomes often lead to
fertility problems and are well documented in other species. Some cats that
are tortoiseshell or calico males may have abnormal chromosomes. Most chromosomal
abnormalities are sporadic.
Bengal cats are hybrids between domestic cats
and Asian Leopoard cats. These species have slightly different chromosomes,
thus all F1 Bengals will have a combination of Leopard cat chromosomes and
domestic cat chromosomes, which can be identified by a karyotypic analysis.
Most fertile Bengal cats should have a karyotype that looks like a domestic
cat.
Karyotypes are a "gross" view of
the DNA. It can not be used to identify small alterations or mutations that
cause inherited diseases.
Instructions
for sending samples for a Chromosome analysis:
Fresh blood samples, approximately 3
- 5 mls, must be collected in green top (Lithium Heparin)
blood tubes.
Samples MUST be sent by
overnight courier IMMEDIATELY, thus please arrange for the samples to be collected
early in the week.
When you make the veterinary
appointment, please inquire if the sample can be picked-up by an overnight
courier from the clinic, otherwise you must be prepared to get the sample
to the courier.
You must package the
sample as described below, thus be prepared with the packaging.
A FEDEX account number can
be used for funded projects, thus please contact the lab for the account number.
Please send an e-mail to the lab The
Lyons' Den or call: (530) 752-7127.
Notify the lab that
the sample is being shipped. Please send an e-mail to the lab The
Lyons' Den or call: (530) 752-7127. Please provide your contact information,
especially your own phone and or e-mail address, so that we can notify you
of the sample's arrival.
Please include details on
the sample, such as a pedigree and project information. Many samples come
to the lab and may be processed by various individuals.
Packaging Instructions:
Label tube with the cat's name.
Place the tube in a zip lock
baggie. (If the tube breaks, then the sample is contained.
Wrap the baggie in several
paper towels for padding and insulation.
Place the sample in a small
box with one frozen ice pack.
The sample should not freeze,
thus be sure to insulate the tube from the ice pack with several paper towels.
Seal the sample in the box.
Mail samples to:
Dr. Leslie A. Lyons
1114 Tupper Hall
School of Veterinary Medicine
University of California, Davis
One Shields Avenue
Davis, CA 95616
Last update: November 30, 2004 This site is under continual
development. Please visit again soon! Many of the current pages are the place
holders for future information. Please provide suggestions to the webmaster:
felinegenome@ucdavis.edu
