A genetic test that detects predisposition to progressive chronic kidney disease has been developed by US researchers.
The test, known as Feline Apoptosis Inhibitor Macrophages, or FAIM, was created by a team at Washington State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine, and is available to veterinarians and cat owners.
The test is made possible by a genetic variation that affects the productivity of a protein responsible for kidney repair. The team identified the genetic marker in 2016, and then spent almost a decade developing the test, which is now available for about $100.
The research is published in the Journal of Internal Veterinary Medicine.
Now, pet owners and veterinarians can explore if the disease is likely to develop in their cat and patients and address it before their pet’s kidneys begin to deteriorate.
“Catching the disease early means cat owners can cut out certain foods and medications to maintain their pet’s health and slow the disease’s progression,” A/Prof Dr Nicolas Villarino said.
“That’s the big problem with this disease; you don’t know it is coming until it is too late.”
The test can be purchased now by emailing A/Prof Villarino at nicolas.villarino@wsu.edu and will soon be available online through WSU’s (PrIMe).
Once owners receive their sampling kit in the mail, they can swab their cat’s mouth and send their sample to the service center on the WSU Pullman campus.
Samples are processed using droplet digital PCR testing.
