Polycystic Kidney Disease

The Polycystic Kidney Disease, usually called PKD is a frequent genetic disease concerning various breeds of cat, notably Persian and related breeds. This affection results in a progressive development of cysts in kidneys, causing destruction of renal tissue, and renal insufficiency, being able to cause the untimely death of the animal. The renal dysfunction appears between 2 to 10 years, according to the rate of growth of the renal cysts.

This disease is monogenic and is transmitted in an autosomal dominant pattern.


ANTAGENE proposes a DNA test to detect the PKD in following breeds :

The DNA test is implied only one gene of PKD1 gene.
In 2004, ANTAGENE has validated this test on 579 cats belonging to these 4 mentioned breeds.

Frequency of the genetic anomaly has been estimated for 4 breeds :

Clinical and genetic studies done by ANTAGENE until 2007 show the existence of only one genetic form in Persian, Exotic Shorthair and British breeds.
Another PKD form was found in Maine Coon: it could be another genetic form (PKD2) or an acquired form. At the moment, the understanding of this form is limited by the few described cases.
The DNA test of the PKD1 still validated.

Why to test your cat ?
• to detect very early carrier cat
• to select breeding animals and to adapt breeding strategies
• to avoid producing and selling kitten affected by
• to anticipate the apparition of the disease
• to apply certain preventive treatments in order to delay and to limit the development of the renal insufficiency

Technical notice PKD.pdf 67.99 KB 30.01.2008