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Polycystic kidney disease | Hypertrophic heart disease | Pyruvate kinase deficiency | Progressive retinal atrophy

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What is polycystic kidney disease?

Polycystic kidney disease is a widespread genetic disease in cats that can cause kidney disease and progressive kidney failure. About 6% of cats worldwide suffer from polycystic kidney disease. Polycystic kidney disease is the presence of a defective gene that promotes the kidney's normal development and structural integrity. Cat genetic testing will provide invaluable insights into the risk of genetic diseases for your cat's health management in advance.

What is hypertrophic heart disease?

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is the most diagnosed cardiac disease in cats. The defect gene causes increased ventricular myocardium thickness. Therefore, cats are at risk of heart failure, thromboembolism, or occasional sudden death. 

Genetic testing for hypertrophic heart disease can help breeders identify the risk of genetic disease and make the proper matching selection based on the genetic conditions to reduce the risk of affected offspring.

Suitable

Polycystic kidney disease

Cat Breeds at High Risk: Persian, American Shorthair, Exotic Shorthair

Cat breeds with moderate risk: Asian, Bombay, Pomeranian, Snowshoe, Ragdoll, Birman, German Regal, Cornish Rex

Hypertrophic heart disease

Maine Coon, Ragdoll, Shorthair, or related breeds derived from these breeds

Pyruvate Kinase Deficiency (PK Deficiency)

Pyruvate kinase is an enzyme found in red blood cells. Pyruvate kinase deficiency is an inherited disorder when red blood cells break down faster than they should, resulting in a reduced number of red blood cells and anemia.

Common breeds are more affected in Abyssinian and Somali breeds, as well as random-bred domestic shorthair cats.

        Many symptoms of Pyruvate kinase deficiency are from anemia with mild symptoms such as lethargy, weakness, and loss of appetite. Furthermore, also develop into acute anemia, which is life-threatening. 

Progressive retinal atrophy

    Progressive retinal atrophy is an inherited disease. It describes when the retina's photoreceptor cells (rods, cones) underdevelop or develop into retinal degeneration and atrophy. The cat's vision declines gradually, causing a risk of blindness. When the cat's vision is severely impaired, it may lose its direction or easily bump into objects.

    The prevalence often occurs in the Abyssinian and Somani breeds, with other influences such as Oxycat, American Curly, Bengal, etc.