Turkish Van Research Articles

A large case-control study indicates a breed-specific predisposition to feline tooth resorption

Tooth resorption (TR) is one of the most common dental diseases of cats. It is a painful condition leading to tooth loss. The etiology of TR remains unclear, but old age, breed, other oral and dental diseases, and environmental factors are suspected predisposing factors. In our study, we used part of the data from the extensive feline health online survey of 8115 Finnish cats. As TR is difficult to detect and as the feline health survey included diagnoses defined by both veterinarians and the owners, we limited our study to a subpopulation of cats diagnosed with oral or dental disease by a veterinarian and had dental examination or surgery under sedation (n=944). We utilized case-control study analysed by multivariable logistic regression to determine the risk factors and breed variation of feline TR. The 202 cats diagnosed with TR were defined as TR cases and the remaining 742 cats as controls. The frequency of veterinarian-diagnosed TR was 3.9% in the health survey data (316/8115) and 21% in the subpopulation (202/944). The risk of TR increased with age (14.7% in youngest and 25.3% in oldest age group). Our finding that TR was significantly associated with gingivitis or periodontitis in cats that had also calculus (OR: 2.49 and 3.70, respectively) suggests that inflammatory changes caused by calculus increase the risk of TR. We found that Cornish Rex, European, and Ragdoll are at higher risk for TR (OR: 2.44, 2.98 and 2.90, respectively). Exotic-Persians breed group had lower risk (OR: 0.28). TR was not observed in Turkish van or Devon Rex. The differences between breeds highlight a genetic contribution. In addition, female cats that had food available constantly had significantly less TR than female cats that had feeding times (OR: 0.44). The underlying reasons for this remain unexplained in our study.

Mitotyping of random bred cats and pure breed cats (Turkish Angora and Turkish Van) using non-repetitive mitochondrial DNA control region

The Fertile Crescent appears to be the most plausible region where the domestication of cats commenced through a mutually beneficial relationship between wild cats and early agrarian societies. These domesticated cats then journeyed across the globe mirroring the paths of human migration. An examination of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) control region-based mitotyping suggested that a significant majority, exceeding 80%, of globally sampled random-bred and pure-bred cats could be categorized into 12 predominant mitotypes. However, the extent of mitotype diversity within random-bred cats from regions proximate to the Fertile Crescent remains inadequately explored. In light of this we aimed to investigate the mitotype diversity in random bred cats sampled from various regions across Turkey. Additionally, we sought to establish a comparison with the mitotype profiles of locally recognized pure breeds, namely the Turkish Angora and Turkish Van. To unravel their evolutionary narratives, we engaged in comprehensive population genetics analyses at both the individual and mitotype-based levels. Our study encompassed a sample size of 240 specimens, forming the basis for both mitotyping and population genetics scrutiny. Our analysis yielded the identification of nine ‘universal’ mitotypes (A—J), alongside an ‘outlier’ mitotype group I. Notably mitotypes A and D emerged as particularly prevalent in contrast to the lesser occurrence mitotypes C, G, and H. With the realm of random bred cats the structure of haplotypes exhibited remarkable diversity presenting distinctions from Turkish Angora and Van breeds. Nucleotide diversity was higher compared to previous reports from Turkey and was one of the highest among reported world cat population estimates. Intriguingly, our investigations did not unveil any pronounced instances of strong selection, population expansions or contractions within any specific population or mitotype. To conclude, our study represents a pioneering effort in uncovering the mitotype profiles and haplotype structures inherent to both random-bred and pure breed cats in Turkey. This endeavor not only broadens our understanding of the feline genetic landscape within the region but also lays the foundation for future inquiries into the evolutionary trajectories and genetic legacies of these feline populations.

W locus alleles of the KIT Gene in Turkish Van Cats and Their Association with Certain Phenotypes

Objective: Turkish Van cat is special cat breed in the world. The most important characteristics of the Turkish Van cats are the white and silky fur, and different eyes color. W locus of KIT gene was found to be an important gene for the white fur. However, there is not enough information about W locus of Turkish Van cats. The aim of this study was to determine the genotypic distribution of W locus alleles in Turkish Van cats and association between alelles and certain phenotypes.
 Material and Method: 48 Turkish Van cats bred in Van Yüzüncü Yıl University Van Cat Research and Application Center were selected for this study. DNA isolations were carried out from oral swaps and W locus genotyping of these cats was done by PCR. The Chi-square test was used to determine the association between the alleles and certain phenotypes.
 Results: It was shown that 41.67%, 22.92%, 18.75% and 16.67% of cats carried W/W, W/w+, w+/w+and W/ws, respectively. Frequencies of W locus alleles were found to be 61.45%, 30.21%, 8.33% for W, w+, ws, respectively. An association between detected genotypes and the phenotypic characters including eye color, head spotting, and hair length, could not be established.
 Conclusion: Turkish Van cats can carry white (W), white spotting (ws), and wild-type (w+) alleles in the W locus. No association between W locus alleles and eye color, head spotting, and fur length indicates other genetic variations should be addressed to understand genetical backround of the cats.

Clinicopathological and biochemical evaluation of Feline Infectious Peritonitis in Turkish Van cats

This study was performed to investigate serum homocysteine and nitric oxide levels in cats with Feline Infectious Peritonitis and present some biochemical and pathological alterations related to the disease. The animal material of this study consisted of thirty Turkish Van Cats of different ages and genders that were definitely diagnosed with the disease by post-mortem examinations and immunohistochemistry. The control group consisted of 6 healthy Turkish Van Cats of different ages and genders that were brought for routine clinical examination. Cats in the study group had clinical findings such as loss of appetite, weight loss, high fever, fever not reduced despite antibiotics, jaundice, dehydration, vomiting, respiratory system symptoms, anemia, nervous findings, uveitis, and ascites. These cats were monitored and following the death, post-mortem examinations were performed and cases with a definitive diagnosis were included in the study. Among the cats consisting study group, while 25 had the dry form of the disease, 5 had wet form. According to the hematological results, there was a statistically significant reduction in platelet counts. The biochemical results showed statistically significant alterations that creatinine, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, creatine kinase myocardial band, homocysteine, and nitric oxide concentrations were higher than the control group. Besides albumin concentrations were lower and the albumin/globulin ratio was 0.53. As a result; this is the first detailed study in Turkish Van Cats with Feline Infectious Peritonitis that evaluated clinical, hematological, biochemical, and pathological findings. Furthermore, serum homocysteine and nitric oxide levels were evaluated for the first time in cats with vasculitis which is the most important complication of the disease. It is concluded that the evaluation of serum homocysteine and nitric oxide concentrations in Feline Infectious Peritonitis may assist the antemortem diagnosis of the disease.

A Missense Variant in SLC39A4 in a Litter of Turkish Van Cats with Acrodermatitis Enteropathica.

In a litter of Turkish Van cats, three out of six kittens developed severe signs of skin disease, diarrhea, and systemic signs of stunted growth at 6 weeks of age. Massive secondary infections of the skin lesions evolved. Histopathological examinations showed a mild to moderate hyperplastic epidermis, covered by a thick layer of laminar to compact, mostly parakeratotic keratin. The dermis was infiltrated with moderate amounts of lymphocytes and plasma cells. Due to the severity of the clinical signs, one affected kitten died and the other two had to be euthanized. We sequenced the genome of one affected kitten and compared the data to 54 control genomes. A search for private variants in the two candidate genes for the observed phenotype, MKLN1 and SLC39A4, revealed a single protein-changing variant, SLC39A4:c.1057G>C or p.Gly353Arg. The solute carrier family 39 member 4 gene (SLC39A4) encodes an intestinal zinc transporter required for the uptake of dietary zinc. The variant is predicted to change a highly conserved glycine residue within the first transmembrane domain, which most likely leads to a loss of function. The genotypes of the index family showed the expected co-segregation with the phenotype and the mutant allele was absent from 173 unrelated control cats. Together with the knowledge on the effects of SLC39A4 variants in other species, these data suggest SLC39A4:c.1057G>C as candidate causative genetic variant for the phenotype in the investigated kittens. In line with the human phenotype, we propose to designate this disease acrodermatitis enteropathica (AE).

Computed Tomography-Based Morphometric Analysis of the Hip Bones (Ossa coxae) in Turkish Van Cats

Computed Tomography-Based Morphometric Analysis of the Hip Bones (Ossa coxae) in Turkish Van Cats

Determination of selected hormones and biochemical parameters in Turkish Van cats with tail gland hyperplasia

The present study was performed on Turkish Van cats with tail gland hyperplasia in order to determine changes in some hormone levels and biochemical parameters. Animal material consisted of 18 male Van cats of between 2-8 years of age, 12 with tail gland hyperplasia and 6 unaffected cats as the control group. Following routine clinical examination, hormone levels and biochemical parameters were measured by obtaining blood samples, and biopsy samples were obtained from the region and examined under a light microscope. When compared with the control group, testosterone levels were high although the difference between groups was not statistically significant. Similarly, no statistical significance was found between the groups in terms of other hormones. Among the hormonal parameters, the only remarkable increase was seen in the testosterone level. Among biochemical parameters, the alkaline phosphatase (ALP), aspartate amino transferase (AST), cholesterol and triglyceride levels were statistically different, while other biochemical parameters were not statistically significant. While AST and cholesterol results were increased, ALP and triglyceride levels were decreased. As a result, we conclude that the disease is an important problem which occurs extensively in mature male Van cats, particularly during and after mating periods. We also conclude that the disease might be associated with an increase in testosterone levels. Presenting this study is beneficial as there are limited reports about this disease in cats. This is the first study presenting tail gland hyperplasia with some hormonal levels and biochemical parameters in male Van cats.

Breed differences of heritable behaviour traits in cats

Cat domestication and selective breeding have resulted in tens of breeds with major morphological differences. These breeds may also show distinctive behaviour differences; which, however, have been poorly studied. To improve the understanding of feline behaviour, we examined whether behavioural differences exist among cat breeds and whether behaviour is heritable. For these aims, we utilized our extensive health and behaviour questionnaire directed to cat owners and collected a survey data of 5726 cats. Firstly, for studying breed differences, we utilized logistic regression models with multiple environmental factors and discovered behaviour differences in 19 breeds and breed groups in ten different behaviour traits. Secondly, the studied cat breeds grouped into four clusters, with the Turkish Van and Angora cats alone forming one of them. These findings indicate that cat breeds have diverged not only morphologically but also behaviourally. Thirdly, we estimated heritability in three breeds and obtained moderate heritability estimates in seven studied traits, varying from 0.4 to 0.53, as well as phenotypic and genetic correlations for several trait pairs. Our results show that it is possible to partition the observed variation in behaviour traits into genetic and environmental components, and that substantial genetic variation exists within breed populations.

Investigation of the relation between feline infectious peritonitis and retroviruses in cats

Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) infection is a highly pathogenic and fatal systemic inflammatory disease in cats. Although FIP infection is associated with the immune system, there are several predisposing factors of the disease. FIP has a high rate of interaction with other infectious agents. The feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) and Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) infections play a predisposing role by reducing immunity against FIP. This study was conducted with the Turkish Van cats, which is a cat breed specific to the Lake Van region of Turkey, between 2014 and 2015. Ascites and organ damage symptoms were identified by pathological analysis in 15 Van cats that were brought to the Van Yüzüncü Yıl University. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to investigate the presence of FIV and FeLV in the homogenate of brain, lung, liver, kidney, spleen and intestines tissue samples with lesions. As a result of the analysis, FIV was identified in 1 (6.7%) out of 15 cats, and all cat samples were found to be positive in terms of FeLV (100%). In the phylogenetic analysis of positive samples, all FeLVs were observed to be in endogenous-FeLVs. In the FIV phylogenetic analysis, our study strain was found to be in the FIV sub-group B. The fact that FIP positive cats were also FeLV positive at the same time has attracted the attention to the pathogenesis of Endogenous-FeLV in malignant diseases, which has not yet been understood. Particularly, it was concluded that the prevalence of FIP infection can be reduced by paying attention to FIV and FeLV vaccination in multiple-cat sheltering environments in young cats.

Determination of Cryptosporidium spp. in Van cats by nested PCR

The present study was conducted to investigate the presence of Cryptosporidium spp. agents in cats from the Turkish Van Cat Shelter at YüzüncüYıl University by a modified Ziehl-Neelsen staining method and nested PCR. Individual stool samples were obtained from 30 adult females, 30 adult males and 40 kittens – a total of 100 Van cats were analyzed in the study. A simplified formol-ether concentration method was applied to all samples. The samples were then examined microscopically by a modified Ziehl-Neelsen staining method. As a result of the staining, Cryptosporidium spp. oocysts were identified in stool samples of 3 kittens in the microscopic examination. After that, PCR and nested-PCR were conducted with suitable primers. Nested PCR identified 5 kittens (5%) as positive. As a result, it was concluded that nested PCR was a superior diagnostic method for Cryptosporidium diagnosis compared with staining methods and that infected cats could be a health hazard for other cats and individuals, since Cryptosporidium spp. agents infect via the faecal-oral route. Therefore, we believe it is necessary to raise the awareness of people in contact with cats..

Turkish Van Cat and Turkish Angora Cat: A Review

Turkish Van Cat and Turkish Angora Cat: A Review

Serum homocysteine, vitamin B12 and folate levels in healthy Turkish Van Cats

Objective: The present study was conducted for the purpose of setting forth the normal serum Hcy, vitamin B 12 and folate levels in Van cats of varying ages and genders, and the age-dependent variations of these parameters. Materials and methods: The material of the study consisted of a total of 60 healthy Van cats including 30 female and 30 male cats. Cats from both genders were separated into 3 groups on the basis of their ages. While the cats of 6 - 12 months of age were included in the first group, cats of 12-24 months of age were included in the second and those of more than 24 months of age were included in the third group. Results: From the blood samples collected; serum normal homocysteine, vitamin B 12 and folate levels were determined as 7.1±2.2 nmol/mL, 850.7±231.8 pg/mL and 16.7±0.8 ng/mL, respectively. In the statistical comparison of the determined serum homocysteine, vitamin B 12 and folate levels; some variations among different groups of age and genders were determined. However, none of these differences were determined to be statistically significant. Conclusion: The normal levels of serum Hcy, vitamin B 12 and folate of healthy Van cats were set forth for the first time by the present study. It is believed that the normal values of these parameters in Van cats can be used in the diagnosis and prognosis of various diseases and particularly cardiovascular diseases, that they will be helpful for researchers and will serve as a guideline to the studies to be conducted in the future. http://doi.org/10.5455/javar.2017.d191

A Comparison of Ice Cold Water Pretreatment and α‐Bromonaphthalene Cytogenetic Method for Identification of Papaver Species

The plants belonging to many species in genus Papaver are very similar and have very small chromosomes that make identification very difficult. The study aimed to compare the effects of α-bromonaphtalene and ice cold water pretreatment to identify chromosomes of Papaver species collected from different areas of Iranian West Azerbaijan and Turkish Van, Agri and, Hakkari provinces. The seeds were germinated in Jacobson trays at 24°C under continuous light. Thereafter, roots from 1.5 cm long plantlets were pretreated with α bromonaphtalene for 15, 30, and 45 min or at 0°C in ice cold water for 24 h before fixing, hydrolyzation, and feulgen staining. The ice cold water pretreatment was more appropriate and easy to determine chromosomes. Seeds from seven samples did not germinate. Sixty samples out of the rest of 62 samples were identified as P. pseudo orientale, one sample was identified as P. bracteatum, and another as P. orientale. This is the first study that used ice cold water to determine the chromosomes in papaver species. It is hoped that it will also facilitate to determine chromosome number and identify other papver species.

The hair characteristics of Turkish Angora and Van cats

The primary aim of this study was to determine the hair characteristics of Turkish Angora and Van cats, and also to see if there were seasonal, sex, age, or eye color effects on the traits measured. A total of 41 cats, 26 Turkish Angora and 15 Turkish Van, were used. The ages of the cats ranged from 1 to 8 years old. Analyzed traits included fiber diameter (FD), fiber lengths of hauteur (H) and barbe (B), fiber tenacity (T), and elongation (EL). Terms included in the statistical models were breed, season, sex, age, and eye colors of the cats and 2-way interactions that had P-values of less than 0.2 among the main effects. The difference in the FD of the Turkish Angora (23.5 µm) and Van (25.6 µm) cats was not significant (P = 0.0579). The H (27.5 versus 20.1 mm), B (33.1 versus 23.4 mm), and EL (33.8% versus 24.0%) values were all greater (P < 0.0001) for the Turkish Angora cats, while only the T value (12.1 versus 7.6 g/den) was greater (P = 0.0001) for the Turkish Van cats. Significant phenotypic correlations were found between FD and T (0.36, P = 0.0191), between H and B (0.98, P < 0.0001), between H and T (-0.58, P < 0.0001), between H and EL (0.31, P = 0.0480), between B and T (-0.56, P = 0.0001), and between B and EL (0.34, P = 0.0315). The present study defines the hair characteristics of the Turkish Angora and Van cats. These results may help to understand the phenotypes of these cats better and could also be a source for further studies.

Induction of Oestrus with Single or Split eCG Administrations in Turkish Van Cats During the Non-breeding Season

Induction of Oestrus with Single or Split eCG Administrations in Turkish Van Cats During the Non-breeding Season

Selected Blood Serum Elements in Van (Turkey) Cats

The Turkish Van cat originates from eastern Turkey. One of the characteristic features of Van cats is the colour of their eyes, which can be both eyes blue, both eyes amber or one eye blue and the other amber. Serum essential trace, macro and industrial element concentrations of Van cats (n = 47) according to sex, age, hair length and eye colour differences were investigated. Serum aluminium, arsenic, boron, barium, cobalt, chromium, copper, gallium, indium, iron, lead, lithium, manganese, nickel, selenium, silver, sulphur, strontium, vanadium and zinc were measured with ICP-OES plasma optical atomic emission spectrometer. In result, serum aluminium, barium, copper, manganese and strontium levels in male cats were found higher (p &lt; 0.05) than in female cats. Serum aluminium, copper, manganese, strontium and zinc amounts of blue-blue eyed cats were found higher (p &lt; 0.05) than amber-amber, amber-blue and blue-amber eyed cats, and serum lithium of blue-amber eyed cats was higher (p &lt; 0.05) than blue-blue eyed cats. There were no statistically significant differences (p &amp;#x003E 0.05) found in the age and hair length groups. Our results indicate that several of the blood serum elements of Van cats may be related to their eye colours and sex differences.

Prevalence of foodborne pathogens in Turkish Van otlu (Herb) cheese

The survey was conducted on 50 unripened Van otlu cheese samples obtained in Van and Hakkari markets at retail level to determine the microbial characteristics with special emphasis on Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, E. coli O157:H7 and Salmonella spp. The results revealed that S. aureus and E. coli were present in extremely high numbers, with a mean 6.10 and 3.68 log CFU/g, respectively. S. aureus was found in all samples ranging from 2.48 to 7.15 log CFU/g and was present in more than 5.0 × 10 5 CFU/g in 54% of the samples whereas E. coli was found in 62% of the samples. None of the samples contained E. coli O157:H7; but 3 of the 50 samples had Salmonella spp. The results indicate that Van otlu cheese presents a potential hazard for public health; and the necessary precaution will have to be taken to improve the sanitary practices and cheese manufacturing technique.

Titres of naturally occurring alloantibodies against feline blood group antigens in Turkish Van cats.

Seventy-eight Turkish Van cats were examined for alloantibody titres, of which 42.3 per cent had type A blood and 57.7 per cent had type B blood. No type AB cats were found. All type B cats (n = 45) showed gross evidence of agglutinating anti-A antibody, with titres ranging from 2 to 256. Sixty-seven per cent of type B cats had anti-A antibody in their plasma, with titres ranging from 8 to 32. However, 13 per cent of type B cats had plasma alloantibody titres of less than 8 and 20 per cent had titres that were higher than 32. A total of 33 type A cats were also tested for anti-B alloantibody titres in their plasma. Among the type A plasma, gross agglutination at titres of 2 and greater than 2 were determined in 24 per cent and 36 per cent of samples, respectively. Microscopic agglutination was seen in an additional 18 per cent of plasma samples. There was no significant association between gender and plasma alloantibody titres of cats (P > 0.05).

Blood type A and B frequencies in Turkish Van and Angora cats in Turkey.

Blood typing of domestic cats has been performed in domestic and purebred cats in various parts of the world and is important in clinical practice in order to prevent neonatal isoerythrolysis (NI) and acute haemolytic transfusion reactions. Prevalence of blood types vary greatly between breeds of cats. Turkish Van and Angora cats are different breeds that originated in geographically distinct regions of Turkey. The present survey determined the frequency of blood types in these Turkish pedigreed cats in Turkey. Ethylenediaminetetraacetic-acid anti-coagulated blood of a total of 113 Turkish Van and Angora cats were examined for blood typing using a slide and tube agglutination assay. Of the 85 Van cats surveyed, 40% had type A, and 60% had type B blood. Of the 28 Turkish Angora cats, 53.6% had type A, and 46.4% had type B blood. No type AB cats were found between both breeds. There was no significant association between blood types and gender of both Angora and Van cats or eye colours of Van cats (P > 0.05). Although these are limited surveys, the overall prevalence of type B cats in these two breeds was very high compared with the results of previous studies worldwide. It appears likely that blood type incompatibilities responsible for feline NI and transfusion reactions are occurring in these breeds. The risk of transfusion incompatibility in Turkish Angora and Van cats was 46.4 and 60%, respectively. It is therefore strongly recommended to breeders and clinicians that blood typing be performed prior to breeding and transfusing cats.