Hello everyone, I'm hoping you can advise.

In March, our naughty boy swallowed a cat toy and needed emergency care. A subsequent ultrasound found many cysts on both kidneys, and a few on his liver. He was given a diagnosis of polycystic kidney disease. He's turning 2 years old this February and not yet showing symptoms. Of course we are devastated.

I contacted our breeder, who assured me I was mistaken. I sent her all the documentation and the information that PKD was an inherited disorder. I asked her to have the stud and queen scanned.

This December, the same cats produced a new litter. I contacted her again to ask if she had scanned them, hopeful that we had received a misdiagnosis. She admitted she had not taken them to the vet to be tested, as it would disrupt the cattery, and that both cats were fine and not showing any symptoms. Furthermore, no other kitten has the disease so far, so she has no plans for any testing.

It's my understanding that symptoms may not arise for many years. These cats have been breeding for only a few years. She is an established, registered breeder who almost certainly has a stud or queen with PKD.

Am I mistaken in thinking she should have them both tested?

Thank you for any advice.

The great breeders have their queens and studs tested for everything. If they can "disrupt" the cattery, any breeder can do it. The issue is the cost of these tests. They are not cheap -- but they should be done. All it takes is a cotton swab and about $90. This is why owners need to do a lot of research before they select a breeder.

UC Davis Veterinary Medicine Genetics Laboratory usually does these tests. They will send a kit with the swabs that you use and you swab the cats and send the swabs in with the money and wait for the results.

Know, too, many breeders could put on their website that they do scan. However, they would be able to provide you with the test results.

Yes, they should absolutely be scanned and should no longer breed if they are carriers.
It's a huge shame if anyone is breeding cats who are known or even suspected carriers of genetic diseases.

Unfortunately, there isn't much you can do unless you have something in your contract other than just let people know about it.

Know that many Canadian breeders send their samples to the US to be tested! Thing is, you can't complain to TICA or TIBCS unless they are members. And I'm doubting this particular breeder is as they both recommend testing for the queens and sires. It is just a real shame. There are other "complaint" websites you can post on, which give the other person a chance to respond. But at least it gets it out there if someone googles the name -- those things come up.

Offering a health guarantee is great, except by the time most owners find something out, they are extremely bonded with the cat and have no desire to give the cat up for a new one.

Many owners do not do extensive research on breeders. They see a cat they want and get it! But, lesson learned and next time, you will be more diligent.

She is actually a member of TICA, TIBCS, CCFC etc. and has an outstanding cattery certificate from TICA.

Hmm, then maybe these agencies need proof that the breeder is selling kittens with PKD. Do you mind saying the name of the cattery?

Yes, it is ICSPOTS from Uxbridge, Ontario. Anyone buying kittens from her should ask for proof that her cats have been tested for PKD.

www.icspotsbengals.com

Oh dear. This is actually Canicspots -- a long-time cattery. I have 120 of their cats in my database. I have not heard anything negative about this cattery until your post. If you have proof of the PK Deficiency in your bengal, then you can send a copy of that evidence to TICA, even though they do not handle complaints. You don't get an "outstanding TICA cattery" certificate unless you are not selling bengal kittens with health issues.

Note that PK deficiency tests show a cat is not a carrier or a carrier or has it. Is your cat N/N, N/K or K/K? The following info is from UC Davis Veterinary Center:

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.

Procedure for collecting a feline DNA sample

ORDER TEST | PRICE LIST
Allow 2-6 business days for results.

Results are reported as:

Test Result PK deficiency status

N/N no copies of PK deficiency, cat is normal
N/K 1 copy of PK deficiency, cat is normal but is a carrier.
K/K 2 copies of PK deficiency, cat is or will be affected. Severity of symptoms cannot be predicted.


I would do diligent research before filing any complaint. I noticed Heather tests for HCM but there is no mention of PK or PRA.

He has polycystic kidney disease. I have an ultrasound report showing multiple cysts on both kidneys and a few on his liver. It leads to renal failure.

I'm not sure if you want to go through the entire testing process so that you can get this result form. Note this cattery is in Russia and uses UC Davis in California. If you are seriously wanting to do something about this cattery, this is probably the information you would need. However ... there is no law against selling unhealthy cats. It is only unethical. No one is going to go to jail for something like this. Your satisfaction may only come by writing a report on one of the review sites. Ripoff is one of them -- if you feel you were ripped off. I'm sure there are other sites out there. Just know that your information must be accurate as the person you are complaining against is given the opportunity to rebut your claims.

I'm confused by that form, as it mentions PK deficiency, which he does not have. He has polycystic kidney disease, an inherited disorder that leads to renal failure and is ultimately fatal. He will likely die within 5-7 years, and he's barely 2. We don't feel ripped off, as he's a lovely, lovely cat. But we are heartbroken.

Some breeders will test for PKD, but I feel the vast majority do not. It is always a shame when a cat has an inherited issue. The vast majority of bengals have heart murmurs. Many have other congenital issues. If you have googled the cattery and this issue and have not come across anything, then I'm guessing this is not an issue that is running rampant in Canicspots.

My suggestion is that you put it to rest and concentrate on your kitty who should probably be on a special diet and regular checkups with the vet.

Do you know which cats have this issue? Based on my research, Heather is a good breeder and I would not think she would not take something like this seriously. Yes, breeders have put a lot of money into their breeding cats, but obviously, PKD is a serious issue.