PORTOSYSTEMIC SHUNTRESEARCH PROJECT

According researchers there is anecdotal evidence that Porto systemic shunt occurs in some Birmans. On October 5th 2008, eminent researchers Angie Hibbert and Prof Tim Gruffydd-Jones both from Bristol University gave a talk regarding the problem. After the talk research was set up to try to find the cause. At present shunts are thought to be caused by a recessive gene but with polygenic influence so this is not going to be an easy task for the researchers.

The aim of the study is to eventually produce a DNA test for this condition.

Dr Leslie Lyons, Geneticist at the University of California, Davis and Angie Hibbert Bristol University are both  involved in this research.

If you have a Birman that has been diagnosed with a shunt please can you send a simple mouth swab to either Angie Hibert in the UK or Dr Leslie Lyons in the US

 Swab samples from siblings and parents and also non related Birmans are also needed for this research.

Update from Angie Hibbert Bristol University "We still needs more swabs from cats who have been diagnosed with a Portosystemic Liver shunt.  There is a minimum requirement before the research can begin so please help if you have or know of a kitten or cat that has been dignosed with a shunt"

Remember the aim of the study is to eventually produce a DNA test for this condition. Click on the links for instructions about sending mouth swabs.

SWAB INSTRUCTIONS FOR AMERICA & AUSTRALIA

 Here you can find Angie's notes about liver shunts

ANGIE HIBBERT  PORTOSYSTEMIC SHUNT LECTURE NOTES