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A DNA test for Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD) in cats
Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD).
A DNA test for PKD1.
Breeds at risk.
The allele PKD1 most probably originates from the ancestors of the Persian cat (
and the Exotic Shorthair). It was brought into other breeds when Persians and Exotics
were used to improve the quality of the coat or to introduce new color genes.
PKD is found in a number of breeds of which it is known that they have "family ties"
with Persians and/or Exotics. It has recently been proven "beyond any doubt" that the
PKD1 gene is present in the British Shorthair populations in Europe and the US.
In papers and on websites from the US, Australia and the UK quite a lot of breeds
with PKD are reported. We have reasons to expect the PKD1 allele in breeds like
the Birman, the Ragdoll, the Snowshoe, the Turkish Van and the
Scottish Fold. Other breeds are mentioned in the literature as well but there may
be doubt whether the PKD of those breeds is present in European continental populations
and/or whether the PKD1 allele is involved in those breeds.
Breeds that are not mentioned above are not by definition free from PKD. When an
inherited disorder is seen relatively seldom within a breed it often escapes
the breeders' attention. When no autopsy is performed on animals dying too early,
most of the time the cause of death is missed.
We can't be absolutely sure about the frequencies of PKD in the cat populations on
the continent of Western Europe. Because of the exchange of breeding stock between
countries and continents we must assume that the situation over here is more or less
identical to what is found elsewhere.
Breeding policy.
Testing for PKD1.
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