SUBMISSION FORMS AND TEST PRICES FOR OWNERS AND BREEDERS
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The Molecular Diagnostic Unit has been offering a genetic test to diagnose autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (AD-PKD) in cats since April 2005. This genetic test is a PCR and evaluations of the test have shown excellent agreement with the results of ultrasound screening. This test will revolutionise testing for AD-PKD.
AD-PKD is a very common problem in Persian cats and related breeds, especially Chinchillas, Exotics and British Shorthairs. Others breeds known to be affected are:
- Ragdolls
- Birmans
- Asians
- Selkirk Rexs
- Scottish Folds
- Snowshoes
A more complete list can be found on The Feline Advisory Bureau website.
The Feline Advisory Bureau (FAB) has established a UK PKD screening scheme to assist cat breeders in identifying affected cats before they are used for breeding. Until recently specialist ultrasound scanning has been required for this, but the identification of a specific genetic mutation associated with feline AD-PKD means that PCR can now be used to identify affected cats. Cats screened for AD-PKD using the Langford Veterinary Services PCR can now be included in the FAB Scheme, and cats found to be negative for the disease can be listed on the FAB PKD negative register. Confirmation of the cat’s identity is an essential part of the screening scheme, so veterinary surgeons must ensure that all cats that are to be included in the FAB scheme are microchipped, and that their chip number is recorded by the veterinary surgeon at the time the cat is sampled. For more information about AD-PKD and the FAB UK PKD Screening Scheme visit the FAB web-site or contact the FAB office (01747 871872).
Please note: For Inclusion on the FAB PKD Negative Register, the sample submitted for PKD testing MUST be taken by a veterinary surgeon and labelled with the cat's microchip number.
The assay requires either 0.5ml of EDTA anticoagulated blood or a mouth swab.
Interpretation of results
A Normal AD-PKD genetic test result means that the cat does not have the respective genetic mutation.
An Affected AD-PKD genetic test result means that the cat has one normal and one mutant copy of the PKD1 gene. Presence of the mutant PKD1 gene has been strongly associated with polycystic kidney disease.
Each certificate we issue will specify whether the cat is Normal or Affected for the PKD1 mutation.
Update: In October 2010 we switched from using QPCR to detect the AD-PKD genetic mutation to using pyrosequencing. We have shown that this technology, which also uses PCR, is as reliable as QPCR in detecting cats with and without the AD-PKD mutation.
The following graph shows the number of samples submitted to the Molecular Diagnostic Unit for PKD genetic testing in the years 2005 to 2010, and the percentage of affected cats. This clearly shows a decline in the percentage of cats testing positive for the AD-PKD genetic mutation, which is likely due to selective breeding and AD-PKD screening by breeders.
Further information
- Taking a mouth swab
- Feline polycystic kidney disease: from ultrasound to genetic testing
- Genetic Tests for Cats: What the Practitioner needs to know.
- More information about polycystic kidney disease can be found on the Feline Advisory Bureau website.
- For more information about this assay please see our publications