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| Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD) is an inherited autosomal dominant disorder that is characterized by the formation of cysts on the kidneys, which can lead to renal failure and possible death. It is prevalent in the Persian breed along with other breeds that have used Persians in their breeding programs such as... Himalayans, Exotics, American Shorthairs, and Scottish Folds. Because the presentation of PKD1 is similar to renal failure, one of the most common causes of death in any cat, it has gone unnoticed for many years and has now spread throughout the Persian breed, as well as Persian out-crosses. PKD1 is considered a late onset renal disease because renal failure typically occurs at a later age; however, the kidney cysts for PKD1 often present themselves before 12 months of age. How Is Polycystic Kidney Disease Inherited? PKD, as mentioned above, is a dominant disorder; therefore, one or both parents must possess at least 1 copy of the PKD mutation and pass it on to their offspring. *When two cats are bred that are both negative (N/N), all kittens will be negative. *When breeding a positive to a negative (N/P to N/N), statistics show that 50% of the kittens will be negative and 50% will be positive. *When breeding a positive to a positive (N/P to N/P), statistics show that 25% of the kittens will be negative, 50% will be positive, and 25% will have inherited the PKD mutation from both parents (P/P). Studies have shown thus far that most kittens that inherited the PKD mutation from each parent (P/P) are either reabsorbed in utero, are stillborn, or die shortly after birth. In the following link, you will find pictures of cats' kidneys that have been affected by PKD. Please be warned... these pictures are VERY graphic. Photos of Affected Kidneys Do all cats that have the mutation for PKD die from Polycystic Kidney Disease? No. Research indicates that most cats go on to live healthy, happy lives where PKD never becomes an issue typically succumbing to natural causes, 'old age', or other feline diseases instead. However, some cats do die from renal failure said to be caused by PKD. In these instances, it can be a very unpleasant death. Until recently, the only way to test for PKD was through ultrasound scans that weren't readily available and have proven to be inaccurate due to the knowledge and accuracy of the technicians performing them. There is now a simple DNA test available to ALL breeders that identifies the PKD mutation, enabling them to ensure that they are only breeding PKD Negative cats and guarantees that all kittens produced are negative. Paws and Purrs Cattery is very proud to announce that ALL our breeders have been DNA tested through the Veterinary Diagnostics Center in Ohio and are PKD Negative! We will continue to test ANY new breeders we add to our lines using the Ohio facility or UC Davis in California, and ONLY bring in new breeders who have also tested negative, which ensures you that EVERY kitten that PPC produces is PKD DNA Negative! We are also more than happy to provide anyone with documented proof that each of our breeders is truly PKD DNA Negative. If you would like to see the test results on any of our breeders, please feel free to email me, and I'd be happy to send you a copy of the actual test result reports immediately. A copy of each parent's PKD test result report will be included in the Kitten Care Kit that goes home with every kitten that leaves PPC. To learn more about PKD, please visit the following sites... The Feline PKD Home Page The Cat Fanciers' Association (CFA) The Feline PKD FAQ I will always do whatever I can to ensure that my breeders and kitties are happy and healthy and will continue to educate people on important issues such as PKD, declawing, etc. I've always felt that 'Education is Key' and will always strive to do what's best for all my precious felines while making sure that my kitties truly are Happy, Healthy, Precious Purrbabies! If you have any questions, comments, or concerns, please feel free to contact me anytime. I'd be happy to answer any and all questions that you may have! |
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| Polycystic Kidney Disease |
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| Photos: Copyright Paws and Purrs Cattery 2003-2008. Graphics: Copyright Leighvaani 2001-2006. This site was initially designed by Leighvaani and is maintained by Paws and Purrs Cattery. |
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| Please Note: ALL pictures, graphics and wording on this website is property of Paws and Purrs Cattery and is subject to copyright laws. Please DO NOT attempt to steal them or use the wording in full or in part without our consent. Please report any abuse here. |
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