Calling for participation in genotyping Australian cats for the ABCB1 gene mutation

AVA members practicing in Queensland,

This is a kind request for your participation in a feline p-glycoprotein (ABCB1) mutation research project (Animal Ethics Approval A2977). With the support of AVA and the Australian Companion Animal Health Foundation, researchers at James Cook University are investigating the incidence of ABCB1 genetic mutations in Australian cats. ABCB1 mutations have been implicated in toxicity caused by many different drugs in companion animals. In USA, the prevalence of ABCB1 mutations in cats has been estimated through screening to be approximately ~5% in the population; ~57% for cats with eprinomectin induced neurological toxicosis.

We are seeking your assistance in recruiting cats that may have this mutation. We hope that you can identify any cats that have been presented to your practice with acute neurologic conditions (seizures, somnolence, acute depression, exaggerated responses to sedatives and analgesics) that may have been related to exposure to a medication or toxin.

It would be greatly appreciated if you are able to identify patients that fit these criteria and ask their owners if they would consider being part of this research. Once owners have confirmed their interest, please let us know and we will send you the relevant consent forms for the owners to complete, the questionnaire for you to complete, a cheek swab and details on how to collect the samples.

When you receive the swabs, an appointment in your clinic with the cat will be required where you would complete the paperwork and collect the swab. This appointment can be co-ordinated to occur with any other health checks that may be required for the patient. We realise that it can be challenging to get owners to agree to visits. There is no remuneration for engagement in this project, however we hope that identifying the possible incidence of genetic mutations may allow veterinary practices in Australia to be more aware of potential toxicity challenges presented in cats, and this will have an overall positive impact on feline welfare.

If any of the cats that you submit samples for screens as positive for a mutation, we will inform you and request that you communicate with owners so that these specific patients can be managed in a manner mindful of the risks of their genetics.

We hope that you may be able to help us with this project. You are welcome to call and speak to any one of us.

Kindest regards from the Research Team

Robert Kinobe: Robert.kinobe@jcu.edu.au; Tel: 0435261483.

Karen Gerber: Karen.gerber@jcu.edu.au

Richard Burchell: Richard.burchell@jcu.edu.au

Brad O’Hagan: bradley.ohagan@jcu.edu.au