What is Polycystic Kidney Disease - PKD

Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD) is an inherited disease of the kidneys that affects Persian/Himalayan cats. It is a slowly progressive, irreversible disease. A kitten can inherit the PKD gene from either parent, or both of them. It is estimated that 38% of Persian/Himalayan cats are affected with the PKD mutation that causes Polycystic Kidney Disease.

Although affected kittens are born with abnormal kidneys, signs of the disease usually do not appear until the cat is between 3-10 years old. However, some severely affected kittens may die before 2 months of age. The kidneys of kittens with PKD contain fluid filled cysts. As the kitten ages, the cysts become larger and more numerous. Kidney tissue is lost, and the kidney is less able to function properly. Kidney failure occurs when the kidneys can no longer function properly. 

How do you prevent Polycystic Kidney Disease

Breeders can have their cats DNA screened for the gene that causes PKD, and only breed negative cats.
 
Here at Midwest Persians & Himalayans
all of our breeders are DNA tested PKD NEGATIVE
or were born from DNA tested PKD NEGATIVE parents.

Below you will find some links to further educate yourself on PKD and the testing procedure.

All of are breeder were tested through:
UC Davis Veterinary Genetics Lab

I found the following page to be VERY informative:
The Feline PKD FAQ