Feline Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD) DNA Test

A genotype refers to the genetic makeup of an organism—in this case, the specific combination of alleles (one or two more versions of a gene) your cat has for the PKD gene.

Once you purchase a kit, detailed sample collection instructions will be emailed to you. If you do not receive the emailed instructions, you can download them here.

A cat inherits one copy of the gene from each parent, resulting in one of three possible genotypes:

1. NN: 2 copies of the normal allele
2. NP Heterozygote: 1 normal copy and 1 copy of the PKD mutation
3. PP: 2 copies of the PKD mutation

PKD is a dominant trait. Therefore, heterozygotes (cats possessing one copy of the mutation) will likely be clinically affected. When bred to genotypically-normal cats, heterozygotes are still likely to produce clinically affected offspring 50% of the time.

The following table shows the expected distribution of progeny genotypes based on your cat’s parents’ genotypes:

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

While there is no cure for feline PKD, it can be managed with diet, medication, fluid therapy, and other supportive care to improve your cat’s quality of life. DNA testing can help you determine your cat’s risk in advance, equipping you to take early action; however, you should still follow up with diagnostic teting by your veterinarian.