DNA PKD Test Introduction
A letter to Breeders of Persian and Persian related breeds.

GenTest is the Australian representative for VetGen LLC in Michigan.  Proudly offering the new DNA test for Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD) in Persian and Persian related cats.

PKD is a inherited Kidney disease and most prevalent in cats.  It is believed that within the cat population throughout the world this disease is affecting about six percent of cats.  PKD is an abnormality particularly prevalent in Persian cats with an estimated frequency of 37%, this accounting for almost 80% of the cat population.

Because of the fact that the disease is a dominant, only one copy of the mutated gene (in one parent) is required to pass on the disease to it's progeny.

The disease is a autosomal dominant with variable onset, this meaning, a  cat unless she dies of other causes prior to onset of PKD, will at some stage of it's life become ill from the disease, but onset time can not be determined because of it's variability.

The value of the new DNA test is that now you, the breeder and fancier, can test prospective adult cats before mating and kittens at a very early stage of their life, instead of having to wait the 9 months period for an ultrasound.   The DNA test is definitive and 100% accurate in determining animals who have One Mutated Gene, this finding is NOT possible via the clinical methods of testing and therefore better breeding decisions can be made.

We use cheek swabs (sterile buccal swabs, which are used across the world in human and animal genetics) as a method of testing, they are non evasive to the animal and samples do not deteriorate in transit and actually can be stored over long periods of time.

The availability of the DNA test now can prevent much hardship, as testing can be done as soon as the little cheek swabs (tiny brushes resembling that of a soft bottle brush), can be inserted into the mouth of the kitten.  These cheek swabs collect tissue which contains the DNA which is later extracted in the lab.

The DNA test is definitive and results are defined as follows:

1. No Mutated Gene,
   (will not produce the mutation if both parents have this test result status).
2. One Mutated Gene,
   (can pass on the mutation even if mated to a breeding partner who has No Mutated Gene).
3. Two Mutated Genes,
   (this finding would, if at all possible, be very rare as these cats are known to die in uterus).  

The procedure of ordering the DNA test for PKD is, that you send GenTest an email with your postal details as well as payment details.  You can also print out the ORDER Form from the web page, fill it in and send by normal mail (with payment or payment details as all tests are prepaid).

It is difficult to state an absolutely firm price due to variation in currency exchange values.  It is therefore preferred customers use credit card payment although if unavailable personal cheque or postal order can be used.  In the event of credit card payment, please provide the following:
Name on Card, credit card number (Visa or MC) and expiry date. 
For current pricing see Ordering & Pricing

After GenTest receives your order you will receive our testing kit with instructions for sample collection, an order form for customer details as well as information regarding your cat.

The advantage of testing through GenTest is, that you have an Australian representative and therefore local contact to discuss any questions you may have, as well as local postage for samples, as GenTest will deal with the overseas postage etc.. 

You will receive a result certificate once test results become available.  Results are strictly confidential and are only given to the person nominated on the order form.

However, it is in the breeds and breeders best interest to share as much information as possible to reduce if not eliminate this disease from the breeding stock.

If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at GenTest (see contact information below).

Other current services available for cats are:
Profiling and Parentage testing for any breed of cats (see the ordering & pricing pages).

We thank you for your interest, Inge Craik

GenTest
P.O. Box  239,  Miller  NSW  2168,   Australia
Ph.:  61 (0)2  9600 7958   Mobile:  (0400) 800667

Email: GenTest

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