PKD aware breeders - persian and exotics

PKD is a genetic disease of the kidneys and has been detectable through DNA testing since January 2005. It can affect cats and dogs as well as humans.

Until 2005, ultrasound scanning was the only means available to detect PKD cysts, which often don't appear until age 1. Because cats can sometimes develop cysts by the time of a later scanner, it was only valid at the time of each scan.

With DNA, however, if the genetic alteration PKD1 gene is absent, then the the cat is "CLEAR" of PKD. If the PKD1 gene is present, then the cat has or will develop PKD. This DOES NOT mean that the cat will die from PKD. They can and may very well live an unaffected normal life span. However, one needs to be aware that there is the possibility that the cat may eventually develop the disease.

Cats that are negative, who are bred to positive, will result in approximately half of their kittens being affected.

However, it is also important to note that one can get negatives out of two cats that each carry the gene. Research hasn't revealed any cats that possess two PKD1 genes, so it is theorized those kittens die in utero.

The disease

PKD is usually a slow and progressive disease with clinical signs usually developing between age 4 and 7. Some cats can develop clinical signs much later and die of other causes before the kidneys actually begin to fail.

The disease itself causes cysts on the kidneys, which often appear at birth and can be 1 millimeter to several millimeters in size. As the disease progresses, the cysts become larger and more numerous. They can continue to grow, enlarging the kidney(s) and inhibiting the organs to function properly.

Eventually the kidneys fail and the cat may die.

Symptoms

The clinical signs of PKD usually occur once the kidneys are beginning to fail and include weight loss, extreme thirst, depression, excessive urination, lack of appetite and often failure to control urination.

Eliminating the disease

PKD can be eradicated from a cattery by spaying and neutering all PKD positive cats. If a breeder believes that a line is particularly valuable to their cattery, he/she may choose to breed a negative cat to a positive cat in hopes of keeping a negative kitten to replace the positive parent. However, some kittens will be born that may be positive, and will need spayed or neutered and placed in pet homes.

This has become an emotional issue for some breeders. Some are adament about breeding ONLY negative cats - which means they are completely free of PKD and will only produce negative kittens. Some breeders are still in the process of testing and removing PKD cats, actively working through the process to become PKD free catteries.

Source: Langford Veterinary Diagnostics website

Instructions for collecting Buccal cells

If the cat has been eating or drinking, wait at least 15 minutes before taking samples. Try to swab kittens about 15 – 30 minutes after nursing.
Sample one cat at a time, 2 swabs per cat. If you are sampling several cats in the same session, complete the process for one cat before sampling the next.
Label the outside sleeves (envelopes) of two histobrushes with the name of the cat to be sampled. Provide additional information on the form. Copy the form if required.
Open the sleeve (envelope) at the left end and remove the brush by its handle. Please do not touch the brush.
Place bristle head between the cheek and gums and swirl, spin or swipe 10 times, trying to make contact on both sides of the brush. Please be vigorous, as this is the only sample they will have for this cat.
Keep the brush level, parallel with the teeth, towards the front of the cat’s mouth, under the whisker pads. If you try and swab too far back in the mouth, the cat will try more to chew on the brush.
Let the swab air dry for about 30 seconds and then carefully return the swab to its envelope, holding it open so that the bristles so not spray.
Fold open end of wrapper and seal with a paperclip or tape.
Do not seal samples in a ziploc bag. This allows bacteria to grow and contaminate your cat’s DNA.
Please list the project (s) you are interested in on the form. For example: coat color projects (white spotting, golden, albino, silver), long hair, polydactyl, taillessness, folded ear, FIP, dwarfism, diversity or other . New projects develop all the time, thus please note your interest and why you are sending in these samples.

Source: Lyons' Den website

DISCLAIMER: These breeders have furnished PKD DNA1 documentation to our site that they are testing their cats. We, however, cannot and do not warrant that all cats and kittens being offered for sale on these catteries' individual websites are PKD DNA free. As many catteries are salvaging their lines, potential buyers who want to assure their kitty is negative or out of negative parents need to ask for their own proof.