Polycystic Kidney Disease is a genetic mutation causing benign cysts in the kidneys and other organs. The disease progresses at very different rates, but can cause early death. It is quite common in the Persian breed. Several breeders in Russia and the U.S. have used Persians some Siberian matings in an effort to increase coat density and round the face. These outcrosses have brought several genetic Persian diseases into the Siberian breed - including Persian Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD1).
Resourses for research and testing of PKD are listed below. Breeders are strongly encouraged to review the specific lines listed in the Member Pages that are known to be impacted with PKD prior to purchase or breeding kittens.
Genetic Screening for Feline Persian Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD) The UC Davis website states the current before it s used to screen non-Persian related cats. The majority of Siberian PKD can be tested with the UC Davis test, but one set of PKD samples tested negative. Because non-Persian PKD is known, it is prudent to test cats decended from the Gregory's lines by ultrasound. http://faculty.vetmed.ucdavis.edu/Faculty/lalyons/Sites/PKDDNAtest.htm
The Feline PKD Home Page Includes definitions and frequently asked questions about PKD http://www.felinepkd.com
Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease in Persian Cats Definitions, diagnosis, treatment, and offspring probabilities (by Biller et al). http://www.cfa.org/articles/health/pkd.html
