The intent of the PKD
page is to disseminate information about polycystic kidney disease. The
site will also be a place for breeders/owners to share their insights and
experiences with PKD positive Folds.
PKD is an inherited and progressive disease of the kidneys. PKD is characterized
by a late onset and multiple cysts in both kidneys. The kidneys enlarge,
and a reduction in kidney function is noted as the disease progresses. Clinical
signs of a cat suffering from PKD may be depression, lack of appetite, increased
fluid input and output and weight loss.
The course of the disease is variable. Many cats with PKD will not die from
kidney- related problems. The disease is unpredictable, and no one knows
which cat will live a normal life-span and which cat will die early from
kidney disease. Paul Russell gave readers, in an article published in The
Cat Fanciers’ Journal, plenty to think about. He asked “How many have
to die before it is a problem?....I suspect that if I’d watched one of my
cats die the horrible death that some cats will experience, then
one preventable death is too many.
Elaine Commander gave her permission to link to Tommy's site. This site contains graphic photos of Tommy's kidneys. PKD took his life.
PKD is inherited through an autosomal dominant gene. This gene will express
itself if it is present, even if it is only inherited from one parent. A
PKD free cat is a genetically PKD free cat. The actual gene that causes
PKD has not been located, and a DNA test is not available at this time.
The best method of detecting PKD is a noninvasive ultrasound. The frequency
of the transducer should be 7.5 or 10 MHz with a gray scale of 256. The
higher the frequency, the better the visual details. The reliability of
the results depends both on the equipment and the experience, skill, and
training of the sonographer.
The purpose of PKD scanning is to decrease and/or eliminate PKD. This can
not happen immediately. Eradication of PKD can only be accomplished through
scanning and responsible breeding.
LINKS TO MORE PKD
INFORMATION
INHERITANCE
OF POLYCYSTIC KIDNEY DISEASE IN PERSIAN CATS
CFA
HEALTH COMMITTEE PKD
This site was created for information.
This site was NOT created to diagnose or treat any condition.
ALWAYS seek the attention of your veterinarian to help in the diagnosis and treatment of your pets. |
Last updated 12/29/00
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