PKD

1. ARE YOUR KITTENS PKD NEGATIVE?

   Yes, all our breeding cats are PKD NEGATIVE. We DNA tested all of our past and present breeding cats and we now only work with PKD NEGATIVE cats.

2. What is Polycystic Kidney Disease - PKD?

   Polycystic Kidney Disease is an inherited kidney disease that has been found in Persian/Exotic cats. Feline Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD) has been reported sporadically in the literature since 1967, but actual study into this renal disease did not begin until 1990. In1990 an affected female Persian was referred to the Ohio State University teaching hospital with symptoms of renal failure. Offspring of this female were used to start a colony and begin research into this condition.

   PKD is a hereditary kidney disorder, which implicates that there are already cysts present at birth and usually in both kidneys. These cysts are cavities filled with fluids that originate from normal kidney tissue. In kittens these cavities are in the majority of cases very small (1 to 2 mm). As the animal matures these cavities will become larger (even larger than 2 cm) In one kidney there can be as many as 20 to 200 cysts present.

   PKD is also a well known kidney disorder in humans which affects over 5 million people worldwide.

3. How is PKD diagnosed?

   PKD is most easily and effectively diagnosed by DNA testing. With DNA testing, there is no doubt if the cat possesses this gene or not.

4. What does this disease cause in cats?

   Polycystic Kidney Disease is a slowly progressive disease. It clinically shows up later in life (late onset), with enlarged kidneys and kidney dysfunction on average at seven years of age. The condition is inherited and cysts are present from birth. The size of cysts can vary from less than one millimeter to several centimeters, with older animals having larger and more numerous cysts. Problems occur when these cysts start to grow and progressively enlarge the kidney, reducing the kidneys' ability to function properly. The ultimate end is kidney failure.

   Some of the clinical signs are depression, lack of or reduced appetite, excessive thirst, excessive urination and weight loss. There is a marked variability in how quickly individual cats succumb, with the possibility of the symptoms of PKD developing late enough in life that the cat can die of other causes before kidney failure. However, kidney failure is certain when and if the cysts grow and cause problems.

5. What are the Symptoms of PKD?

   PKD itself has no symptoms. Only when PKD has progressed to the point of causing renal failure will symptoms occur, and those symptoms will be those associated with renal failure, and not PKD specific.

    The symptoms of chronic kidney failure are the same, regardless of the cause in cats. Weight loss, poor appetite, increased thirst, increased urination, lack of energy, vomiting - these are all common signs. We have to remember that symptoms only appear when 2/3 of kidney function is already lost - until then, the cat will appear normal. As well, routine blood testing cannot detect kidney failure until 2/3 of function is lost - before that, blood tests will be normal. The exception to this is a sensitive blood test for kidney function called the iohexol clearance test."

6. Can two genetically PKD negative parents produce a PKD positive offspring?

   With Autosomal Dominant PKD, the only form of PKD so far identified and confirmed in cats, two genetic negative parents cannot produce a genetically positive offspring

7. How is PKD Inherited?

   •Genetic studies in cats have shown that PKD in cats is autosomal (non sex linked gene) dominant. This means only one parent needs the gene to pass it onto the offspring. There is a 50% chance of a cat inheriting PKD if a parent has it. If a cat is genetically free of PKD it is not possible to pass it onto offspring.

8. How progressive is this disease and life expectancy of a PKD positive cat?

   Autosomal Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD) is a progressive, inherited condition which causes multiple fluid filled cysts on the kidneys of Persians/Exotic cats & breeds with Persians/Exotics in their lines.

   Cysts are present from birth, but start out small, slowly increasing in size. Cysts can range from very small to several centimetres in diameter. The increasing size of the cysts damage the normal kidney tissue, eventually causing kidney failure.

   The number of cysts & the speed & size in which they grow varies from cat to cat. The average age of kidney failure in cats with PKD is 7 years, but some cats will suffer from kidney failure at an earlier age & some cats much later.

9. Are there breeders still knowingly breeding PKD Positive Cats?

   Unfortunately there are many unethical breeders whom still knowingly and unknowingly breed PKD Positive Cats and will keep on creating more PKD Positive Cats without any regards for the health and life expentancy of these kittens and cats, or the heart break and financial burden that they cause the families that adopt them .

   As a consumer and a potential pet buyer, you have the right to ask the breeder if her/his breeding cats are PKD negative and ask for a guarantee that your new kitten is going to be PKD negative.

    

POISON AND TOXIC MATERIALS

1. What are some of the things in my home that can harm my cat?

   Top 10 Pet Toxins of 2010

   

   Both known and unknown toxins can be found hiding in our houses and yards. In 2010, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) in Urbana, IL, fielded more than 167,000 phone calls about pets exposed to possibly poisonous substances.

   Human Medications
   Human medications are once again at the top of the list of pet toxins for 2010. Almost 25 percent of our calls concerned human medications accidentally ingested by pets. The most common culprits include over-the-counter medications (ibuprofen, acetaminophen), antidepressants and ADHD medications.

   Insecticides
   About 20% of the calls to the APCC are about insecticides. Insecticides are commonly used on our pets for flea control and around our houses to control crawling and flying bugs. The most serious poisonings occurred when products not labeled for use in cats were applied to them. Always follow label directions.

   Rodenticides
   Baits used to kill mice and rats are mostly grain based. Not only does this attract rodents, but it attracts dogs and cats. There are several different types of rodenticides that can cause seizures, internal bleeding or kidney failure. Always make sure these items are placed in areas that pets cannot access.

   People Food
   Xylitol, grapes, raisins, onions and garlic are commonly ingested by our pets. Grapes and raisins can cause kidney failure in dogs, while onions and garlic can cause anemia if enough is ingested. Xylitol, a sugar alcohol used to sweeten sugar free gums and mints, can cause low blood sugar and liver failure in dogs.

   Veterinary Medications
   Many medications made for our pets are flavored for ease of giving. Unfortunately, that means that animals may ingest the entire bottle of medication if they find it tasty. Common chewable medications include arthritis and incontinence medications. Contact your veterinarian if your pet ingests more than his proper dose of medication.

   Chocolate
   Chocolate contains methylxanthines, which act as stimulants to our pets. The darker the chocolate, the more methylxanthines it contains. Methylxanthines can cause agitation, vomiting, diarrhea, high heart rate, muscle tremors, seizures and death.

   Household Toxins
   Cleaning supplies, such as bleach, acids, alkalis and other detergents, can cause corrosive injury to the mouth and stomach. Other household items such as batteries and liquid potpourri can cause similar problems. Always keep these toxins behind securely locked doors.

   Plants
   Both house plants and outdoor plants can be ingested by our pets. Lilies can cause life-threatening kidney failure in cats, while sago palms can cause liver failure in dogs and cats. Keep house plants and bouquets away from your pets.

   Herbicides
   Many herbicides have a salty taste, and our pets will commonly ingest them. Always follow label directions and keep pets off treated areas until they are dry.

   Outdoor Toxins
   Antifreeze, fertilizers and ice melts are all substances that animals can find outdoors. Keep these items in securely locked sheds or on high shelves where pets cannot get to them.

   If you have any reason to suspect your pet has ingested something toxic, please contact your veterinarian or the Animal Poison Control Center’s 24-hour hotline at (888) 426-4435.