Welcome to the PKD-list, a mailing-list for Feline PKD !

Please take some time to read this letter, and save it for future references. Necessary instructions for the list are found below. 

The PKD-list was opened with the intention of supporting people who share a serious concern for the health of their cats, and with the intention of trying to spread and exchange information about PKD.

"PKD" is an autosomal dominantly inherited genetic disease; "Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease". PKD is most easily diagnosed by ultrasound. A DNA-test for PKD/ADPKD in cats is not available at this time. The scientists are working on a DNA-test but it is not yet available.

When the PKD-list was opened, most scientific studies and research on PKD had been done on Persian Cats, domestic shorthairs and crosses between Persians/DSH. So far PKD has been found mostly in Persians and Exotics (shorthaired Persians), but also other breeds have shown to be affected. We all need to respect this dominantly inherited disease.

The PKD-list was opened with the kind support of Professor David S. Biller, Head of Radiology at Kansas State University and Professor Stephen P. DiBartola, Head of Small Animal Medicine at Ohio State University, to whom I am deeply grateful for all the work they have done on this subject, for their kindness and for being so helpful.

The PKD-list is an open list for those of us no longer in denial of this disease. It is a list primary for support, information and sharing of experiences.  I reserve the right of removing from the list anyone who may show a lack of respect towards the rules of the list and/or other list-members, and/or the list-administrator.  Personal attacks are not allowed.

PKD in cats is a very delicate matter with each of us. It is shocking, frightening and emotional. Because of this, we all have to approach each other and this disease with respect and humility.  Treat other people in the same way that you want them to treat you. :-)

When replying to a previous message, try to quote just enough of the prior message to allow others to follow your response or question. Try to "cut the tails" off the previous message. :-)

You are also kindly requested to keep to the topic of PKD.

If you are up to more tough and rough discussions you are welcome to join the alternative list "pkd-debate". Feel free to contact me for more information.

You will find valuable information about PKD at:

the Feline PKD Home Page

A flyer in various languages can be downloaded from the Feline PKD homepage, as well
as a testing form for ultrasound scannings (at this time available in English and Swedish).

Any questions of a private type may also be mailed to me privately. I will do my best to reply myself, or I will forward your message to the PKD-list and ask for assistance.

Thank you for your interest and I hope that you will find support and information on the PKD-list!

Marie Thiers
Sequoyahs Persians
Sweden
List owner and administrator
E-mail