Jody L. Gookin, DVM, PhD, DACVIM
Associate Professor, North Carolina State University, College of Veterinary Medicine

"Understanding the probiotic versus pathogenic role of gut bacteria in kittens with diarrhea"
In this presentation, Dr. Gookin will cover her Winn sponsored research into the role of intestinal bacteria, specifically enterococci and pathogenic E. coli, in causing diarrhea and diarrhea-associated death in kittens. Discussion will include the discovery of the role these bacteria play in health and disease in kittens. Collaboration among several organizations has led to a better understanding of the bacteria both through modeling the pathogenic effects of the bacteria in the laboratory and case studies in kittens in foster or shelter care. She will also review the progress research has made in developing tests and treatment approaches for such critical infections.

Craig B. Webb, DVM, PhD, DACVIM
Associate Professor, Colorado State University, Veterinary Teaching Hospital

"Feline stem cells as a novel treatment for cats with chronic intestinal disease"
While the search for solutions to the common problem of chronic diarrhea in cats continues, Winn research is at the
forefront of new potential therapies. Evidence-based treatments of dietary intervention, Vitamin B12 supplementation, and probiotics will be briefly reviewed. Potential beneficial treatment regimens have been identified, as the properties and use of stem cells for various treatments are better understood. One example is fat-derived feline stem cells whose abundant properties appear to make them suited for the treatment of feline chronic intestinal disease or diarrhea. Dr. Webb will highlight how stem cells work and describe a pilot study that supports further study of this type of therapeutic approach.