Tuesday, March 24, 2015

PK Def results

In our continuing commitment to test our kitties and use only the healthiest kitties in our program , I am as pleased as always to share that 2 more kitties have been tested and found to be free of PK Def.

Now , this is NOT a big surprise for anyone who follows pedigrees , line chasers etc. We dont use cats who COME from pedigrees where such things make PK Def possible.  But as the test is available, and recommended for our breed , we shall continue to  utilize it as one more component of our criteria.
Copied below are the results - as well as part of the information from the lab

Erythrocyte Pyruvate Kinase Deficiency
(PK Deficiency) in Felines
Introduction Erythrocyte Pyruvate Kinase Deficiency (PK Deficiency) is an inherited hemolytic anemia caused by insufficient activity of this regulatory enzyme which results in instability and loss of red blood cells. The anemia is intermittent, the age of onset is variable and clinical signs are also variable. Symptoms of this anemia can include: severe lethargy, weakness, weight loss, jaundice, and abdominal enlargement. This condition is inherited as an autosomal recessive.
Based on a survey of 38 breeds, the mutation responsible for PK deficiency has been found in significant frequency in Abyssinian, Bengal, Domestic Shorthair and Longhair, Egyptian Mau, La Perm, Maine Coon, Norwegian Forest, Savannah, Siberian, Singapura and Somali. Cats of these breeds are at higher risk of having PK deficiency or producing affected offspring; genetic screening for the mutation is recommended. A few breeds showed very low frequency of the mutation (less than 0.2%) and are low risk: Exotic Shorthair, Oriental Shorthair and Persian.
The VGL offers a DNA test for PK deficiency to assist owners and breeders in identifying affected and carrier cats. The test uses DNA collected from buccal swabs avoiding invasive blood collection. Breeders can use this test as a tool to avoid breeding carriers together which would produce 25% affected offspring.



 PK DEFICIENCY results for Kender's Centurion (aka Rory)
N/N - no copies of PK deficiency, cat is normal

PK DEFICIENCY results for Nightmusic In vino of Kender ( aka Sherry)
N/N - no copies of PK deficiency, cat is normal

No comments:

Post a Comment