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Persian Kittens - What is PKD?
Source: http://www.cat-world.com.au/PolycysticKidneyDisease.htm
What is polycystic kidney disease?
Autosomal Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD) is a progressive, inherited condition which causes multiple fluid filled
cysts on the kidneys of Persians and breeds with Persians in their lines.
Cysts are present from birth, but start out small, slowly increasing in size. Cysts can range from very small to
several centimeters in diameter. The increasing size of the cysts damage the normal kidney tissue, eventually
causing kidney failure.
The number of cysts & the speed & size in which they grow varies from Persian cat to Persian cat. The average age
of kidney failure in Persian cats with PKD is 7 years, but some Persian cats will suffer from kidney failure at an
earlier age & some cats much later, and in fact succumb to something other than PKD.
How is PKD inherited?
Genetic studies in Persian cats have shown that PKD in Persian cats is autosomal (non sex linked gene) dominant.
This means only one parent needs the gene to pass it onto the offspring - the Persian kittens. There is a 50%
chance of a Persian cat inheriting PKD if a parent has it. If a cat is genetically free of PKD it is not possible to pass it
onto offspring.
What are the signs of PKD in Persian Cats?
Weight loss
Depression
Vomiting
Polyuria (excessive urination)
Polydipsia (excessive thirst)
Lethargy
Enlarged kidneys
How is it diagnosed in Persian cats?
Ultrasound: Ultrasound diagnosis is 98% accurate after approximately 10 months of age. Ultrasound should be
performed by a veterinarian skilled in the use of ultrasound.
Genetic Test: A swab from inside the cheeks (buccal swab) is provided to a specialized laboratory for testing. This
test is 100% accurate.
How are Persian cats treated for PKD?
There is no way to slow down the growth of the cysts & they can't be removed. As the kidneys begin to fail, they lose
their ability to filter out toxins. To understand the treatment it is necessary to give a brief summary of how the
kidney's work;
Kidneys help control blood pressure by releasing an enzyme called renin. When blood pressure drops and kidneys
don’t receive enough blood, renin is released; causing blood vessels to contract (tighten). When blood vessels
contract, blood pressure goes up.
Kidneys filter waste products & excess water from the blood. The cleaned blood stays in the body & the waste
products leave the body in urine.
Stimulation of red blood cell production.
They help maintain the proper balance of acid and minerals, including sodium, calcium, potassium and
magnesium, in the blood.
Therefore helping reduce the level of toxins in the Persian cat is important. Treatment is based on that of a cat with
chronic renal failure & may include:
Administration of fluids subcutaneously to treat dehydration.
Prescription diet: Such a prescription diet contains a lower percentage of protein and less phosphorus than normal
cat food. Persian cats need protein every day for growth, building muscles and repairing tissue. After the body uses
the protein in the foods, a waste product called urea is made. Persian cats with kidney failure are not able to get rid
of this urea normally. Damaged kidneys may not be able to remove phosphorus from the blood. This causes the
level of phosphorus in the blood to become too high. A high blood phosphorus level may cause the cat to lose
calcium from their bones.
Phosphorus binders may be given. These come in tablet or capsule form.
High blood pressure (hypertension): Medication may be prescribed if your cat's blood pressure is too high.
Antacids & anti nausea medication.
Erythropoeitine: The kidneys produce a hormone, erythropoietin, which instructs the bone marrow to produce red
blood cells. Cats with kidney failure often have a low red blood cell count. Only the human form is available & some
cats may eventually recognize this substance as foreign & antibodies will be created against it.
What is the likely outcome for a Persian cat with PKD?
It really varies from Persian cat to Persian cat. How many cysts are present, how large they grow & how quickly they
grow. A cat with only a few small & slow growing cysts may live to an old age & eventually die from something
unrelated to PKD. Other cats may have numerous, large & quick growing cysts & die at an early age.
Is there a cure?
No, there isn't a cure for PKD. Persian cat breeders are advised to test their cats & if they are found to have PKD
have them altered.
How can I avoid getting a Persian kitten with the PKD gene?
The best way to avoid purchasing a Persian kitten with the PKD gene is to buy from Persian cat breeders using PKD
negative Persian cats. These are catteries that have DNA tested all of their Persian cat breeders for the PKD gene.
Remember, if both both parents are PKD negative, then your Persian kitten will be negative as well meaning he/she
will never get PKD.
Source: http://www.cat-world.com.au/PolycysticKidneyDisease.htm
What is polycystic kidney disease?
Autosomal Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD) is a progressive, inherited condition which causes multiple fluid filled
cysts on the kidneys of Persians and breeds with Persians in their lines.
Cysts are present from birth, but start out small, slowly increasing in size. Cysts can range from very small to
several centimeters in diameter. The increasing size of the cysts damage the normal kidney tissue, eventually
causing kidney failure.
The number of cysts & the speed & size in which they grow varies from Persian cat to Persian cat. The average age
of kidney failure in Persian cats with PKD is 7 years, but some Persian cats will suffer from kidney failure at an
earlier age & some cats much later, and in fact succumb to something other than PKD.
How is PKD inherited?
Genetic studies in Persian cats have shown that PKD in Persian cats is autosomal (non sex linked gene) dominant.
This means only one parent needs the gene to pass it onto the offspring - the Persian kittens. There is a 50%
chance of a Persian cat inheriting PKD if a parent has it. If a cat is genetically free of PKD it is not possible to pass it
onto offspring.
What are the signs of PKD in Persian Cats?
Weight loss
Depression
Vomiting
Polyuria (excessive urination)
Polydipsia (excessive thirst)
Lethargy
Enlarged kidneys
How is it diagnosed in Persian cats?
Ultrasound: Ultrasound diagnosis is 98% accurate after approximately 10 months of age. Ultrasound should be
performed by a veterinarian skilled in the use of ultrasound.
Genetic Test: A swab from inside the cheeks (buccal swab) is provided to a specialized laboratory for testing. This
test is 100% accurate.
How are Persian cats treated for PKD?
There is no way to slow down the growth of the cysts & they can't be removed. As the kidneys begin to fail, they lose
their ability to filter out toxins. To understand the treatment it is necessary to give a brief summary of how the
kidney's work;
Kidneys help control blood pressure by releasing an enzyme called renin. When blood pressure drops and kidneys
don’t receive enough blood, renin is released; causing blood vessels to contract (tighten). When blood vessels
contract, blood pressure goes up.
Kidneys filter waste products & excess water from the blood. The cleaned blood stays in the body & the waste
products leave the body in urine.
Stimulation of red blood cell production.
They help maintain the proper balance of acid and minerals, including sodium, calcium, potassium and
magnesium, in the blood.
Therefore helping reduce the level of toxins in the Persian cat is important. Treatment is based on that of a cat with
chronic renal failure & may include:
Administration of fluids subcutaneously to treat dehydration.
Prescription diet: Such a prescription diet contains a lower percentage of protein and less phosphorus than normal
cat food. Persian cats need protein every day for growth, building muscles and repairing tissue. After the body uses
the protein in the foods, a waste product called urea is made. Persian cats with kidney failure are not able to get rid
of this urea normally. Damaged kidneys may not be able to remove phosphorus from the blood. This causes the
level of phosphorus in the blood to become too high. A high blood phosphorus level may cause the cat to lose
calcium from their bones.
Phosphorus binders may be given. These come in tablet or capsule form.
High blood pressure (hypertension): Medication may be prescribed if your cat's blood pressure is too high.
Antacids & anti nausea medication.
Erythropoeitine: The kidneys produce a hormone, erythropoietin, which instructs the bone marrow to produce red
blood cells. Cats with kidney failure often have a low red blood cell count. Only the human form is available & some
cats may eventually recognize this substance as foreign & antibodies will be created against it.
What is the likely outcome for a Persian cat with PKD?
It really varies from Persian cat to Persian cat. How many cysts are present, how large they grow & how quickly they
grow. A cat with only a few small & slow growing cysts may live to an old age & eventually die from something
unrelated to PKD. Other cats may have numerous, large & quick growing cysts & die at an early age.
Is there a cure?
No, there isn't a cure for PKD. Persian cat breeders are advised to test their cats & if they are found to have PKD
have them altered.
How can I avoid getting a Persian kitten with the PKD gene?
The best way to avoid purchasing a Persian kitten with the PKD gene is to buy from Persian cat breeders using PKD
negative Persian cats. These are catteries that have DNA tested all of their Persian cat breeders for the PKD gene.
Remember, if both both parents are PKD negative, then your Persian kitten will be negative as well meaning he/she
will never get PKD.
