[printer432]

Hi just looking at purchasing my first pedigree, Wondering what it means when tested for PKD, is it important and hwat are the chances of a kitten having it if the owner does not test for it?
Thanks heaps, still trying to work my way around this forum, it has been so helpful so far.

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[Bibby]

Very important if you are buying a breed at risk of this.
Many years ago about 40-50% of Persians in Australia were affected (Can no longer find the exact statistics).
Responsible breeders screen their cats and only breed from negative ones.
If a parent cat has PKD- the kittens have a 50% chance of being positive.
One of my cats had PKD- (and later died of it) so the first thing I asked breeders when I was looking for another Persian was whether they screened for it and how.
Be very careful if breeders do not screen.
The last cat I adopted is negative- but was owned in the past by a backyard breeder who bred her with a PKD positive cat- so about half her kittens would have PKD.
I have been told both were bred by a registered breeder.
Good luck with your search - and good you are doing research.
PKD cause me a lot of heartache.

This post has been edited by Bibby: 25 September 2009 - 07:34 PM

[printer432]

Hi
Thanks for responding, I am looking at getting a british shorthair, some breeders state they are dna tested and some don't even mention it. I'm not sure how common it is in this breed.
Thanks so much for you time.

[burmeselover]

I'm glad you are doing your research on health before buying a kitten.
As a Vet Nurse, I recommend that you buy from tested parents if possible. PKD stands for poly-cystic kidney disease. PKD can affect cats of any breed but has higher incidence in certain breeds, particularly Persians and Exotics. British Shorthair cats can also be affected.
Today DNA testing for PKD is relatively simple and inexpensive and responsible breeders will test their cats.
PKD is a devastating disease because it destroys the kidneys in a cat's youth. A cat with PKD will not show symptoms until they develop irreversible kidney failure so a kitten buyer will have no way of knowing if their cute new family member is going to have PKD unless the parent cats are tested.

[vengeancethecat]

Good luck with your research! Hope you find the right furbaby fo you soon!