What is the problem?
- For several years, breeders have reported cases of female cats missing a uterine horn and also the kidney on the same side; male cats have been reported missing a kidney
- It is important to note that in almost all cases, females have both ovaries. There have been cases reported where a second spay surgery had to be performed to locate and remove the second ovary.
- This defect may be called various names, such as uterus unicornis, uterine horn aplasia, uterine horn hypoplasia, and renal agenesis
- Affected cats can have smaller litters and perhaps problems with queening. Normal kidney failure could be earlier since cats have only one kidney.
Is the defect inherited?
- We don’t know the answer to that question but are conducting this research project to find out. Because it is very prevalent in a breed, it is very likely inherited as other breeders do not report the condition. The condition has been noted in randomly bred cats.
Who will be conducting the research project?
- Dr. Leslie Lyons at the University of Missouri, College of Veterinary Medicine
How does the project work?
- We are interested in:
- Confirmed cases of cats missing a uterine horn and/or kidney
- A normal “control” for each confirmed case
How do I pick a normal “control” for each affected cat?
- The best control will be a normal sibling from the same litter; another option would be a normal sibling from a previous or later litter or a normal parent
What is required for a submission?
- For each submission, we will need the cat’s pedigree and a DNA sample.
What type of DNA sample will be required?
- The DNA sample can be a cheek swab, or gonads (ovary, testicle) removed at spay/neuter surgery and stored in 70% alcohol (not formalin)
Does my veterinarian have to get involved?
- To ensure the accuracy of the data, your veterinarian will have to certify the abnormal status for each “case” and the normal status for each “control”
- Usually a vet can determine if a cat has both kidneys with abdominal palpation; if there is any question, an abdominal x‐ray can be taken
- Females with one uterine horn would be confirmed at either spay surgery or c‐section surgery; x‐rays cannot be used to determine if the entire uterus is present
Where do I send my submissions?
- All submissions (pedigree + DNA sample) should be sent to:
Leslie A. Lyons, PhD
Department of Veterinary Medicine & Surgery
College of Veterinary Medicine
E204 Vet Med Building, 1520 E. Rollins St.
University of Missouri – Columbia
Columbia, MO 65211
How do I get DNA sample instructions?
- Complete instructions on how to collect a DNA sample using a cheek swab (including a video) may be found at:
Funding
Donations of funds for the study will increase the research priority. Each cat genome sequence costs ~$1,000. A DNA array projects costs about the same. Additionally, we will require funds for data analyses, DNA variant testing and personnel time.
Donations can be made – tax deductible – at the MU GiveDirect site for the 99 Lives Project for the Lyons Laboratory: https://mizzougivedirect.missouri.edu/Item.aspx?item_id=251
Please add – “Lyons lab – Ragdoll Project” – in the comments.