Genetics and Precision Medicine: State of the Art Health Care for Cats

Winn Feline Foundation Podcasts on Feline Health

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.