PKD DNA Testing for Cats
Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD) is an inherited autosomal dominant disorder characterized by the formation of cysts on the kidneys, PKD could lead to eventual renal failure and possible death. The PKD DNA test is available for the following cats breeds: Persians, Himalayans, Exotics and crosses of these three.
PKD is dominant; therefore, heterozygotes (those possessing one copy of the mutation) will likely be clinically affected. When bred to genotypically normal cats, heterozygotes will still likely produce clinically affected offspring 50% of the time.
We will email a detailed DNA report showing the cat’s genotype for PKD. The 3 possible genotypes include:
• NN (2 copies of the normal allele)
• NP Heterozygote (1 normal copy and 1 copy of the PKD mutation)
• PP (2 copies of the PKD mutation)
Polycystic Kidney Disease Inheritance
The following table shows the expected distribution of progeny genotypes based on a mating where both parents have known genotypes.
Chart Legend:
• N = Normal Allele
• P = PKD Mutation
• NN = 2 normal copies of the gene
• NP = 1 Normal copy, 1 copy of PKD mutation
• PP = 2 copies of the PKD mutation
