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. Click on the facility name to print the pertinent form.

Laboratory name, location	Cost per cat	Website (and pertinent details)
VGL@ UCDavis, Davis, Calif.	$40	http://www.vgl.ucdavis.edu/ Includes a DNA fingerprint
Gribbles, Australia	$45 AU or $33.45 US	http://www.gribbles.com.au/dna_catTest.htm
VetGen, Ann Arbor, Mich.	$60 (Prepaid)	http://www.vetgen.com/
Animal DNA Services (VDC), Fairfield, Ohio	$48	http://www.vetdnacenter.com/feline-collection.html

After swabbing your cat (see directions at right), most laboratories will have your results within 14 days.

With DNA, however, if the genetic alteration PKD1 gene is absent, then the the cat is "CLEAR" of or NEGATIVE for PKD. If the PKD1 gene is present, then the cat is "AFFECTED" or POSITIVE for the PKD1 gene.

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.

Source: Langford Veterinary Diagnostics website

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.
Fold open end of wrapper and seal with a tape.

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.