Join us at the first combined educational event in Timonium, MD on June 21, 2019 presented in collaboration between Winn Feline Foundation (Winn), The International Cat Association (TICA) and the Cat Fanciers' Association (CFA).

This podcast is presented by Dr. Glenn Olah, a cat veterinary specialist in Albuquerque, NM. Dr. Olah has written articles about cat health for a number of different veterinary publications. He has been on the board of Winn Feline Foundation since 2012. He will cover much of the exciting research Winn has funded in recent years and discuss where the future of cat health is headed.

Join us at the first combined educational event in Timonium, MD on June 21, 2019 presented in collaboration between Winn Feline Foundation (Winn), The International Cat Association (TICA) and the Cat Fanciers' Association (CFA).

This podcast is presented by Dr. Drew Weigner, a veterinarian for cats from the Atlanta, GA area. Dr. Weigner has practiced medicine for more than 35 years and is one of the first established feline practitioners. He has been on the board of Winn Feline Foundation since 2014. He will cover the history of Winn from its inception in 1968   and the top advances in feline medicine Winn Feline has been involved with over the years.

Join us at the first combined educational event in Timonium, MD on June 21, 2019 presented in collaboration between Winn Feline Foundation (Winn), The International Cat Association (TICA) and the Cat Fanciers' Association (CFA).

This podcast is presented by Dr. Jody Gookin, a distinguished professor at North Carolina State University. The first part of the presentation discusses bacterial causes, in particular E. coli, of diarrhea and mortality in kittens. The latter half of her talk covers information about the parasite, Tritrichomonas foetus, that causes large bowel diarrhea in kittens and cats. Dr. Gookin covers information about her research on these significant causes of diarrhea in cats.

Join us at the first combined educational event in Timonium, MD on June 21, 2019 presented in collaboration between Winn Feline Foundation (Winn), The International Cat Association (TICA) and the Cat Fanciers' Association (CFA).

This podcast is presented by Mr. Steve Dale, well-known radio personality and a Certified Behavior Consultant, discussing inappropriate elimination and the strategies to diagnose and treat this behavioral problem in cats. A discussion about the importance of environmental enrichment for the welfare of cats and as an approach to preventing or eliminating such behaviors.

Join us at the first combined educational event in Timonium, MD on June 21, 2019 presented in collaboration between Winn Feline Foundation (Winn), The International Cat Association (TICA) and the Cat Fanciers' Association (CFA).

This podcast features Dr. Emily Graff, a clinical pathologist specializing in neurologic disease, discussing inherited genetic neurologic disorders in cats and her work determining ways to treat and improve the lives of affected kittens and cats.

Join us at the first combined educational event in Timonium, MD on June 21, 2019 presented in collaboration between Winn Feline Foundation (Winn), The International Cat Association (TICA) and the Cat Fanciers' Association (CFA).

This podcast features Dr. Katie Lytle from Wisdom Health discussing how to understand and apply DNA panel testing to increase genetic fitness in cats.

Wisdom Health has worked with TICA to collect DNA data on well over 100 cats to determine genetic diversity among different cat breeds.   Dr. Lytle's presentation will cover the results from this collaboration and how it impacts cats in general. Wisdom Health has supported cat health research by sponsoring grants for approved future feline research in genetics.

Please join Winn Feline Foundation at the second half of our 40th Annual Symposium with Dr. Melissa Beall, DVM, PhD, of IDEXX Laboratories, Portland, ME. 

Despite its discovery over 50 years ago, the feline leukemia virus (FeLV) continues to challenge our thinking about the nature of the disease and our ability to diagnose the infection.  Testing, vaccination, and segregating progressively infected cats remain effective practices to help control the spread of the disease. Results of this new research are helping to inform improvements in medical decisions and long-term patient care.

Please join Winn Feline Foundation's 40th Annual Symposium on June 28th, 2018 with our speaker, Katie Tolbert, DVM, PhD, DACVIM from the University of Tennessee-Knoxville.

Trichomonosis is a rapidly emerging infectious disease of cats that is caused by the parasite, Tritrichomonas foetus. Unfortunately, little is understood about how this parasite causes disease and what methods can be used to treat it. Dr. Tolbert will discuss why infectious diarrhea such as that caused by T. foetusis such a concern for catteries and shelters. She will also share the results of her Winn-sponsored research investigating therapies for the treatment gastrointestinal ulceration in cats.

Dr. Niels Pedersen, Distinguished Professor Emeritus of the School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California-Davis, discusses the current prospects for preventing and treating feline infectious peritonitis in cats.

FIP has remained a major problem of cats for over five decades. We now understand where and how the virus that causes FIP mutates from the ubiquitous and otherwise innocuous feline coronavirus (FECV). However, we are only just beginning to untangle the complex virus, host and environmental factors that have the most effect on FIP incidence and how this knowledge can be applied to both disease prevention and cure.

Following Dr. Pedersen's outstanding presentation, Dr. Vicki Thayer, executive director of Winn Feline Foundation, will introduce Winn's future Cures4CatsDay for October 21, 2017. Questions and answers by Dr. Pedersen will follow that short presentation.

Join Steve Dale, Master of Ceremonies and Winn board member, as he introduces retiring Winn President Dr. Glenn Olah. Dr. Olah covers Winn's recent efforts and the funding of the largest single grant review in Winn's 50 year history. 11 research grants for a total of $214,017.

Dr. Olah also introduces the incoming Winn President, Dr. Shila Nordone, and then the founder of the Bria Fund, Susan Gingrich. Susan covers the history and progress the Bria Fund has made in raising funds for FIP research. At the end, she is followed with a short presentation by Peter Cohen, Zen by Cat, owner of Smokey, a cat surviving feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) due to treatment through Dr. Niels Pedersen initial clinical trial with an antiviral drug, GC376, a protease inhibitor.

Join Dr. Glenn Olah and the audience at the 2016 Winn Symposium for a lively Q&A session with Drs. Leslie Lyons and Nicholas Dodman.

Speakers at Winn Symposiums provide excellent answers to important questions from our audience.

We at Winn thank you for listening.

Dr. Dodman provided information on the common presentation of three compulsive behaviors in cats - wool sucking/pica, psychogenic alopecia and feline hyperesthesia syndrome. He addressed the cause and treatment of each disorder, including genetic foundations, environmental pressures that trigger them, and environmental and pharmacologic therapies that have been shown to reduce, or in some cases practically eliminate their expression.

He outlined a phenotypic study of wool sucking funded by Winn, listing potential causes and preventive measures that can be taken to reduce the occurrence of this troubling and occasionally lethal condition. Also, Dr. Dodman discussed findings of a Winn-funded study to locate atypical genomic regions in Birman cats affected with this condition.

In a short segment, Dr. Glenn Olah introduces the Winn Feline Foundation board members in the audience.

Dr. Olah introduces the second speaker for the 2016 Symposium, Dr. Nicholas Dodman, BVMS, MRCVS, DACVA, DACVB. Dr. Dodman has just retired and was a Professor at Tufts University Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine. He is an expert in behavior and covered Feline Compulsive Disorders in his presentation.

Dr. Lyons presented a review of her work, then lead into a description of “Precision Medicine”, which is now available for humans, and its role in the future of feline medicine.

Gene-specific DNA-based tests for inherited diseases have been available for veterinary health care in cats for over 25 years. Now over 40 genes with nearly 70 DNA variants have been documented to cause phenotypic, disease or blood type variations. More recently, the entire genomes of dozens of cats have been sequenced, rapidly gleaning the genetic information that is controlling health and what an animal looks like. In the coming years, veterinarians will be performing whole genome screens of some kind as a routine component of a disease diagnosis. Whether for tumors or other diseases, the DNA results will routinely direct future therapies.

Dr. Glenn Olah, President of Winn Feline Foundation, gives a brief history of Winn's major research milestones from 1968 and in recent years.

Dr. Olah introduces the first speaker, Dr. Leslie Lyons, for the 2016 Winn Symposium. Dr. Lyons, PhD, is the Gilbreath-McLorn Endowed Professor at the University of Missouri-Columbia College of Veterinary Medicine.

The introduction delivers background on the cutting edge feline medicine Winn has provided to cats over the years and the exceptional investigators like Dr. Lyons who perform the health studies.

Dr. Vicki Thayer, Executive Director of Winn Feline Foundation, interviews Dr. Jody Gookin of North Carolina State University about her recently funded 2016 research project (W16-053), Efficacy of a new treatment for cats with ronidazole-resistant Tritrichomonas foetus infection. 

Tritrichomonas foetus (TF) is a parasitic infection that causes foul relapsing bouts of diarrhea in cats from every corner of the world. Only the drug ronidazole has been identified as effective in treating TF infection but 36% of cats fail to clinically benefit from the drug and others suffer from drug toxicity. An alternative drug has been identified that is 10 times more effective than ronidazole at killing feline TF. The aim of this study is to examine the effectiveness and safety of this alternative drug for treatment of cats with TF infection and diarrhea and that failed prior treatment with ronidazole.

Winn Feline Foundation's Executive Director, Dr. Vicki Thayer, interviews a currently funded researcher, Dr. Katie Tolbert of the University of Tennessee-Knoxville, about a protozoal organism called Tritrichomonas foetus that causes chronic diarrhea in cats. 

Dr. Tolbert describes her two ongoing studies on this disease and how this research might provide answers on diagnosing and possibly preventing this frustrating condition in cats.

She also follows up with her plans for future research she believes would be valuable for improving cat's lives and she hopes that Winn will be able to fund in future years.

The interview was conducted after Dr. Tolbert spoke at the American Animal Hospital Conference in Austin, TX for the Winn Feline Foundation sponsored CE track.

Join Winn Feline Foundation's Executive Director, Dr. Vicki Thayer, in a conversation with Dr. Colleen Currigan. Dr. Currigan is the President-Elect of the American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP) and with the Cat Hospital of Chicago.

The conversation covers some of the exciting new programs both Winn and AAFP are undertaking. With National Technician's Week in October, Winn has a new program, Honor a Technician, that recognizes the significant role licensed Veterinary Technicians play in veterinary practice. AAFP has their fast growing initiative for Cat Friendly Practice which has tools for team members such as veterinary technicians to help cats have a stress-free veterinary experience. Winn Feline Foundation endorses the importance of the Cat Friendly Practice for cats and the veterinary team. Learn more about how these programs can benefit cats and the people who love them.

Winn Feline Foundation and AAFP are collaborating in efforts to tell others how important cats are to us in our daily lives and what we can do to benefit cats in return. Learn more about both organizations at www.winnfelinefoundation.org  and www.catvets.com. 

Please join us at the 37th annual Winn Symposium in Toronto on July 2, 2015. Steve Dale, internationally known radio personality and Master of Ceremonies, introduces Dr. Craig Webb, DVM, PhD, DACVIM and Associate Professor from Colorado State University. Following is a Question and Answer session with Drs. Jody Gookin and Dr. Webb.

Dr. Webb presents "Feline stem cells as a novel treatment for chronic intestinal disease in cats". While the search for solutions to the common problem of chronic diarrhea in cats continues, Winn research is at the forefront of new potential therapies.  Evidence-based treatments of dietary intervention, Vitamin B12 supplementation, and probiotics will be briefly reviewed. Potential beneficial treatment regimens have been identified, as the properties and use of stem cells for various treatments are better understood. One example is fat-derived feline stem cells whose abundant properties appear to make them suited for the treatment of feline chronic intestinal disease or diarrhea. Dr. Webb will highlight how stem cells work and describe a pilot study that supports further study of this type of therapeutic approach.

Please join us at the 37th annual Winn Feline Foundation Symposium in Toronto on July 2, 2015. Steve Dale, internationally known radio personality and Master of Ceremonies, introduces Dr. Jody Gookin, DVM, PhD, DACVIM and Associate Professor from North Carolina State University.

Dr. Gookin presents "Understanding the probiotic versus pathogenic role of gut bacteria in kittens with diarrhea".She will cover her Winn sponsored research into the role of intestinal bacteria, specifically enterococci and pathogenic E. coli, in causing diarrhea and diarrhea-associated death in kittens. Discussion will include the discovery of the role these bacteria play in health and disease in kittens. Collaboration among several organizations has led to a better understanding of the bacteria both through modeling the pathogenic effects of the bacteria in the laboratory and case studies in kittens in foster or shelter care. She will also review the progress research has made in developing tests and treatment approaches for such critical infections.

Please join Winn Feline Foundation in a Winn produced podcast interview with Dr. Craig Webb, Associate Professor of Clinical Medicine at Colorado State University. Our Executive Director, Dr. Vicki Thayer, questions Dr. Webb about his very interesting research into the use of stem cells for the the treatment of chronic intestinal disease in cats. The interview was held at the 2014 conference of the American Association of Feline Practitioners in Indianapolis. As a Winn-funded researcher, Dr. Webb was a Winn-sponsored featured speaker at the conference and a huge hit with the audience of cat-loving veterinarians.

Dr. Leslie Lyons,renowned geneticist from the University of Missouri, is interviewed by Dr. Vicki Thayer of the Winn Feline Foundation. Dr. Lyons and her team have recently found four mutations in cats. Dr. Lyons describes the mutations and the importance they have for cat health or phenotype. Join Winn and Dr. Lyons to hear about these exciting new findings. The interview was conducted at the recent International Cat Conference held at the Center for Companion Animal Health, part of the University of California-Davis.

Please join Dr. Glenn Olah, the President of Winn Feline Foundation, as he interviews Dr. Philip Fox on June 26, 2014. Dr. Fox, DVM, DACVIM, DECVIM, ACVECC Vincent Astor Chair in Comparative Medicine at the Caspary Institute, Animal Medical Center, in New York City, was one of the speakers at the 36th Annual Winn Symposium in New Orleans.

The interview will provide information regarding the most common heart disease found in cats, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). The Foundation has been a leader in looking at the incidence, pathogenesis and potential treatments for feline heart disease, especially in the form of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Dr. Philip Fox’s research through the Animal Medical Center has lead to a international collaborative study that has identified risk factors for heart failure and survival in normal healthy cats and cats with HCM and will discuss the impact on feline health of heart disease, renal failure, and cancer. This  is an extensive study in cats and will offer a large amount of information about cat health over a range of organ systems in addition to the heart-related implications.

Join Dr. Vicki Thayer, Executive Director of the Winn Feline Foundation, as she interviews Beth Licitra, a combined DVM/PhD candidate from Cornell University about current research into the pathogenesis of FIP virus in cats. Beth Licitra is a key member and spokesperson for Dr. Gary Whittaker’s Laboratory at Cornell University. Winn has provided funding for the research where the Whittaker Laboratory found the correlation between mutations in the FCoV spike protein and the development of FIP. She presented the results as an abstract at the 2013 ACVIM Annual Meeting.

Please join the 36th Annual Winn Feline Foundation Symposium in New Orleans on July 26, 2014. This audio portion features nationally known radio personality, Steve Dale, as he introduces Dr. Philip Fox, DVM, DACVIM, DECVIM, and ACVECC Vincent Astor Chair in Comparative Medicine, Caspary Institute, Animal Medical Center in New York City.

Dr. Philip Fox presents on “NEW perspectives on survival: Comparison of healthy cats and cats with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy- A Global Study”. This multinational study involved some 60 investigators across 20 countries. The presentation will review the current relevant knowledge of feline hypertrophic cardiomyopathy with special focus on clinically relevant findings. In addition, for the first time, new data will clarify incidence of morbidities and mortality in cats with HCM including CHF and ATE, as well as in normal cats. Clinical risk factors for heart disease and cardiac death will also be included.

Please join the 36th Annual Winn Feline Foundation Symposium in New Orleans on July 26, 2014. This audio portion features the Symposium introduction with nationally known radio personality, Steve Dale, as he talks about the Winn Feline Foundation and introduces Beth Licitra. Beth Licitra is a combined DVM and PhD candidate at Cornell University and is involved in research through the Whittaker Laboratory at the University.

Beth Licitra’s presentation will cover the discovery where “Pathogenesis of feline coronavirus is linked to mutation of a critical viral activation site”. Research in the Whittaker Laboratory focuses on investigations into the initial steps of virus infection. This includes binding of the virus to its host receptor, activation of viral attachment proteins by host proteases, and fusion of viral and host cell membranes. Their work also looks at human and avian influenza viruses as well as coronaviruses such as severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS). The talk summarizes their findings on the correlation between mutations in the FCoV spike protein and the development of FIP. It also highlights their current work on the role of host cell proteases in the progression of this fatal disease. The Whittaker Laboratory's research has uncovered a molecular basis for FIP that has potential to lead to developments in diagnostics, prevention, and treatment.

Steve Dale, well-known pet advocate and host of Steve Dale's Pet World, is Master of Ceremonies for the 2013 Winn Feline Foundation Symposium on Chronic Kidney Disease and Superficial Fungal Skin Diseases in Cats held in Vancouver WA on June 27, 2013. He moderates the question and answer session between two renowned researchers in their field of interest, Dr. Jessica Quimby and Dr. Karen Moriello, and the listening audience as they discuss the importance for research on these particular diseases in cats. Please join the discussion at the symposium.

Steve Dale, well-known pet advocate and host of Steve Dale's Pet World, discusses the Ricky Fund in the Winn Feline Foundation which supports research regarding feline hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. He follows with introducing Dr. Karen Moriello (DVM, DACVD), an associate professor at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. In this presentation, Dr. Moriello discusses new findings regarding two superficial fungal skin diseases of cats. Malassezia dermatitis (yeast overgrowth) is the most common superficial skin disease and is often under recognized and under diagnosed. The second most common superficial skin disease of cats is dermatophytosis or ringworm. Ringworm is a concern for people due to its zoonotic potential. This talk discusses what is new and useful in the area of diagnosis, treatment, and disinfection. In addition, a brief discussion of what to do when you suspect an outbreak is detailed. The presentation was delivered on June 27, 2013 at the 35th Winn Feline Foundation Symposium on Feline Health in Vancouver WA.

Steve Dale, well-known pet advocate and host of Steve Dale's Pet World is Master of Ceremonies of the  35th annual Winn Feline Foundation Symposium. He introduces Jessica Quimby, DVM, DACVIM, a clinical scientist from Colorado State University, presents information on two Winn funded studies related to feline chronic kidney disease. Chronic kidney disease is a common progressive disease in elderly cats that currently had no cure other than a kidney transplant. Novel treatment strategies and options for supportive care are important in treating this disease. The presentation focuses on the potential use of mesenchymal stem cells for the treatment of feline chronic kidney disease as well as the use of appetite stimulants for supportive care. It begins with a review of stem cell therapy principles and potential application to kidney disease and then discusses clinical trial results. Nutritional management of cats with kidney disease is discussed as well as the recent results of the mirtazapine appetite stimulant clinical trial. The presentation was delivered on June 27, 2013 at the 35th Winn Feline Foundation Symposium on Feline Health in Vancouver WA.

Research on FIP has steadily progressed over the last decade. Join veterinary professionals and breeders at the presentation of Dr. Niels Pedersen from the University of California-Davis, a world-renowned researcher on infectious diseases in cats, during the 2011 Winn Feline Foundation Symposium in Reston, VA. Dr. Pedersen describes how some of our concepts of disease pathogenesis, potential treatment modalities, mutations within the virus that affect the virulence, genetic susceptibility of the host cat, and disease prevention have either changed or have become much clearer. The role of breeders and their veterinarians in solving the problem of FIP remains even more important today than at any time in the past.

Steve Dale, well-known pet advocate and host of Steve Dale's Pet World, is Master of Ceremonies for the 2011 Winn Feline Foundation Symposium on Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP) held in Reston, VA on June 23, 2011. He introduces two world-renowned researchers in the field of feline infectious disease, Dr. Al Legendre and Dr. Niels Pedersen, to the listening audience and discusses the importance of support for research on FIP. Please join the discussion at the dinner symposium.

Join a discussion of a potential treatment, Polyprenyl Immunostimulant, for feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) at the 2011 Winn Feline Foundation dinner symposium held in Reston, VA. The talk will focus on Dr. Al Legendre’s current research at the University of Tennessee-Knoxville. Dr. Legendre is a world-renowned researcher of infectious diseases in cats. The talk addresses the response rates of the different forms of “dry” FIP such as abdominal, ocular, and neurologic. Information benefiting veterinarians and cat fanciers includes an overview of the cat breeds that were in the study and comments from the owners.

Presented by John Rush, DVM, ACVIM Cardiology, ACVECC, Tufts University at the 34th Annual Winn Feline Foundation Symposium on Feline Health. There can be little doubt that genetic mutations contribute to many, if not all, forms of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in the cat. However these mutations cannot explain all of the manifestations of the disease. Following a review of the commonly affected cats and the typical clinical signs, newer information and research is presented relative to diagnostic testing, dietary implications, and new drugs for treatment of feline cardiomyopathy. This presentation was originally delivered on June 28, 2012 at the 34th Annual Winn Feline Foundation Symposium on Feline Health.

Presented by Leslie A. Lyons, PhD, University of California at Davis at the 34th Annual Winn Feline Foundation Symposium on Feline Health. The recent genetic sequencing of the cat has led to the development of a powerful new genetic resource, the cat 63K DNA array. Researchers can now focus sample collection more efficiently; extended relatves are no longer required. with sample testing on the array, 63,000 DNA markers can be assessed, delivering results in 3 weeks. Dr. Lyons presents examples of recent successes for cat traits and diseases. The presentation also covers a new study design evaluating more challenging traits, such as FIP resistance and susceptibility, and other complex consditions in the cat. The original presentation was delivered on June 28, 2012 at the 34th Annual Winn Feline Foundation Symposium on Feline Health.