Project title: Does the microbiome play a role in idiopathic hypercalcemia?

Investigators: Professor Caroline Mansfield and Dr. Haley Momany

Background:

Calcium is one of the most tightly regulated salts (electrolytes) in the body. High calcium concentrations in the blood, or hypercalcemia, can occur due to several reasons including infection, cancer and renal dysfunction. In cats, the most common cause is unknown, and this phenomenon is called idiopathic hypercalcemia (IHC).

If hypercalcemia persists, it can cause damage to the kidneys and changes in thirst, urination, and appetite. Therefore, as veterinarians, we seek to identify an underlying cause as quickly as possible. If we cannot find one and make a diagnosis of IHC, we struggle to figure out why patients have this condition, or to manage it appropriately.

Project description:

In this project, we will evaluate if the gut (GI) microbiome plays a role in the development of this condition. We will also undertake a clinical trial to determine if probiotic may benefit in a blinded manner.

What is involved?

If your cat is eligible for the study, you will need to:

• Present your cat to Michigan State University for examination and blood tests at baseline and then at 6 and 24 weeks. Note that if your cat does not respond to the treatment after the first visit, the study may be extended by 6 weeks and a further visit will be required.
• As advised, give a supplement, which will either be a placebo or a probiotic, to your cat daily for 6 weeks, with an option to continue with this if the treatment is successful. This can be given as a capsule or sprinkled over food.
• Feed the diet provided for the duration of the study (unless otherwise directed).
• Prior to every visit, collect sequential fresh stool samples of your cat (from the proceeding 24-48 hours), store them in the containers provided and bring them to the scheduled visit.

What are the possible benefits of the study for my cat?

You will be able to discuss physical examination findings and most blood and urine tests with the attending veterinarian as for any specialist appointment; your cat will be managed until resolution of the IHC even if they exit the study (please note costs after exit are responsibility of owners).

Your cat may benefit from the probiotic administration, though this long-term effect remains to be confirmed. Adverse effects are not anticipated, and the product used is one that is used in the pet market.

Will I be paid for my cat being in this study?

You will not be directly paid for study participation. However, you gain access to:

• Reduced first consultation fee (subsequent visits until study ends are free).
  
• Free diagnostic tests at each visit (assessing general kidney/health function, ionized calcium and calcium related hormones)
• Free probiotics and recommended diet for the duration of the study.

Any health examinations, diagnostic tests or treatments that are outside of this (e.g. if you request a different test or treatment beyond the probiotic, wish to investigate fully for underlying disease) will not be covered by the research project’s budget and remain your obligation. This will be fully discussed at the time of the appointment.

If you are interested in this trial, please email cvm.internalmedicine@cvm.msu.edu with the subject line Cat Hypercalcemia Study.

This study has been approved by the MSU Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC): PROTO202500344