Polycystic kidney Disease

Cyndij33

Has anybody on this form ever sent out a blood test for PKD?
I want to have the test done for my girl, but I don’t know where to start.
I work at a local animal hospital and the labs we send out to, do not offer that kind of special genetic testing.

BulliesofNC

I guess I'm fortunate with having one of the best Vet Schools in the nation near by which performs all the genetic testing for our Bullies.
Certainly you have specialists in your area that can perform the test.

Cyndij33

I’ve called multiple labs in the u.s and none of them have the pkd test for canines. I am in Delaware and have called as far as California. so far the one I found was in the uk. I was hoping to find a closer one but I’ll take what I can get as of now..
There is a specialty place up north of me but they would just do the same thing I’m doing.. send the test overseas. They don’t actually do the test there.
Laboklin.co.uk is the one we are probably going to use..
If you don’t mind answering, what vet school are you using? And do you know if they test for more than 1 kind of kidney disease?
This is not for breeding purposes, I’m having suspicion that my girl is in early stages of renal disease.
Any help or advice will be greatly appreciated!
Thanks,

chooba

Try Michigan State Vet School. Top 5 in the nation.
Did a quick google search and they seem to provide the testing your looking for.

https://www.animalhealth.msu.edu/

Good luck

Cyndij33

Sincerely, thank you so much..
Looking into it now

Cyndij33

Couldn’t find the pkd test for dogs in the link. But thank you for taking the time!

BulliesofNC

In the event you can't find a place in your area to perform the PKD Test you always have the option to submit a sample for testing. Yes, most places that provide this this happen to be in the UK but these places also allow for international samples.

Just out of curiosity, what is the reason you wish to have a PKD Test performed? Is your Bull Terrier showing signs of this disease?

Normally for those wishing to gain reassurance within the genetics of their Bull Terrier and seek a Kidney Test they are having a complete blood count (CBC) conducted in order to analyze blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine levels. A complete urinalysis can also be performed for interpretation of the urea and creatinine values in a serum biochemistry profile. Now if the blood test or urine test showed values that were concerning it would be at that time in which you may wish to seek an actual PKD Test.

Cyndij33

Yes unfortunately her urinalysis is showing lots rbc’s. Mostly crenated cells..And trace proteins.. there is a lot of sediment after it’s spun also.
There are no crystals or bacteria.. uti is not present. Her urination is normal.. we put her on antibiotic for cystitis, and nothing changed with the urinalysis.
I have a yearly CBC and full chemistry checked on her..
The bun was creeping to the high end but stayed within the “normal” limits. (This was 3 or 4 months ago) I may check it again here soon..
Something isn’t right with what I’m seeing in her urine samples.. I shouldn’t see as many cells as I’m seeing and I cannot get her ph down past 8.
Her urine always looks dark as is she were dehydrated constantly and there is always a fresh clean supply of water for them.

I wanted to go for this specific test just because of the prevalence of the disease. Research shows out of 150 bt’s - 39 of them had the pkd..

BulliesofNC

I think those research statistics are bunk. I've produced more than 150 BT puppies and never had this issue ~ Zero.
Possibly the research was conducted by particular bloodlines that carry this genetic disorder.

Cyndij33

Which is exactly why I’m getting my next bullie from you.
The reason why I hate to google kidney disease in bull terriers, it’s all scary. To think they can go into kidney failure at 3 or 4yrs old makes me sick

BulliesofNC

It's saddening hearing about any Bull Terrier born with Kidney disease. I've have heard about quite a few that passed away prematurely prior to their 2nd birthday. Often the signs of kidney disease are noticed when the dog is around 12 months old. Oddly, this is also the time in which the health guarantee from many breeders mysteriously expires.
I think now a days it's best to conduct thorough research on any puppy prior to purchasing him or her regardless what the appearance of the sire or dam is. Sometimes it's good to research the pedigree of a litter so recorded death dates on some of the ancestors can be noted.

Cyndij33

Agreed..
Roxy is my first bull terrier. I’m 26 and shes my first purebred dog I’ve ever paid for and raised from
an 8 wk old puppy. Ruby being the second. After having these guys- I really can’t see myself ever owning a different breed. Roxy is 2 1/2, Ruby is 1 yr 3 months..
I didn’t know much about the importance of bloodlines then. Looking at recorded death dates is a good idea. Thanks for that advice.
I’m currently in the process of researching homemade diets.. I think a fresh diet should have a good impact on flushing out the upper and lower urinary tract. Maybe then the BUN will come down..