Pyruvate kinase deficiency (PKDef) (IS NOT PKD) FIP-like
Erythrocyte Pyruvate Kinase Deficiency
(PK Deficiency) in Felines
Pyruvate kinase is an enzyme found within red blood cells which enables them to produce energy to survive. 
If this enzyme is lacking, the lifespan of the red blood cells is significantly reduced, resulting in a 
reduction in the number of red blood cells in the circulation (anaemia). 
There is no reason to panic not to breed a carrier (one ill gene) just as long as the partner is not a carrier as well. 
Kittens from those matings should be tested if they will be used for breeding again.
Affected cats, with 2 ill genes, officially should be neutered for their own health sakes
-----------------------------------------------------------
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.

There is no reason to panic not to breed a carrier just as long as the partner is not a carrier as well.
Affected cats, with 2 ill genes, should be neutered for their own health sakes.

Get your bengals tested. It can save you and your kitten buyers a lot of grieve.
------------------------------
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.

Pyometra
 is a secondary infection that occurs because of hormonal changes in the female's reproductive tract. 
Following estrus or "heat", progesterone levels remain elevated for several weeks, stimulating the uterine lining to 
thicken in preparation for pregnancy. If pregnancy does not occur for several estrus cycles, the lining continues to 
increase in thickness until cysts form in the uterus. This condition is called cystic endometrial hyperplasia. 
The thickened, cystic lining secretes fluids that create an ideal environment in which bacteria can grow. Additionally,
 high progesterone levels inhibit the ability of the muscles in the wall of the uterus to contract and expel accumulated fluids or bacteria.
 Another contributing factor is the fact that during estrus, white blood cells, 
which normally protect against infection, are inhibited from entering the uterus. 
This normal occurrence allows sperm to safely enter the female's reproductive tract 
without being damaged or destroyed by the white blood cells. The combination of these factors often leads to infection.
-------------------------------- 
When does pyometra occur?

Pyometra may occur in any sexually intact young to middle-aged cat; however, it is most common in older cats.

"Pyometra usually occurs two to eight weeks after the last estrus or the heat cycle."
​Pyometra is an infection of the uterus in cats causing a variety of clinical and pathological 
signs related to genital and systemic disease. There are two kinds of pyometras: open (like the one presented) and closed.
Also what happens when the queen is in heat while her cervix was open an infection set in and it is pus leaking from her which means her uterus is full of pus. if the uterus cannot hold the pus the uterus will explode and the pus will kill the cat as it spreads throughout the entire body.
PKD
Polycystic Kidney Disease in Cats
What is polycystic kidney disease?

Autosomal Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD) is a progressive, inherited condition which causes multiple fluid filled cysts on the kidneys of Exotic cats and breeds with Exotics in their lines.

Cysts are present from birth, but start out small, slowly increasing in size. Cysts can range from very small to several centimetres in diameter. The increasing size of the cysts damage the normal kidney tissue, eventually causing kidney failure.

The number of cysts and the speed and size in which they grow varies from cat to cat. The average age of kidney failure in cats with PKD is 7 years, but some cats will suffer from kidney failure at an earlier age and some cats much later, and in fact succumb to something other than PKD.
How is PKD inherited?

Genetic studies in cats have shown that PKD in cats is autosomal (non sex linked gene) dominant. This means only one parent needs the gene to pass it onto the offspring. There is a 50% chance of a cat inheriting PKD if a parent has it. If a cat is genetically free of PKD it is not possible to pass it onto offspring.

What are the signs of PKD in cats?

  Weight loss
  Depression
  Vomiting
  Polyuria (excessive urination) and polydipsia (excessive thirst)
  Lethargy
  Enlarged kidneys


How is PKD diagnosed in cats?

Ultrasound diagnosis is 98% accurate after approximately 10 months of age. Ultrasound should be performed by a veterinarian skilled in the use of ultrasound.
Genetic Test: A swab from inside the cheeks (buccal swab) is provided to a specialised laboratory for testing. This test is 99.9% accurate.
ALL breeding cats should be tested for PKD.

How is PKD treated?

There is no way to slow down the growth of the cysts and they can't be removed. As the kidneys begin to fail, they lose their ability to filter out toxins. To understand the treatment it is necessary to give a brief summary of how the kidney's work;
Kidneys help control blood pressure by releasing an enzyme called renin. When blood pressure drops and kidneys don’t receive enough blood, renin is released; causing blood vessels to contract (tighten). When blood vessels contract, blood pressure goes up.
Kidneys filter waste products and excess water from the blood. The cleaned blood stays in the body and the waste products leave the body in urine.
Stimulation of red blood cell production.
They help maintain the proper balance of acid and minerals, including sodium, calcium, potassium and magnesium, in the blood.
Therefore helping reduce the level of toxins in the cat is important. Treatment is based on that of a cat with chronic renal failure and may include:
Administration of fluids subcutaneously to treat dehydration.

Prescription diet: Such a prescription diet contains a lower percentage of protein and less phosphorus than normal cat food. Cats need protein every day for growth, building muscles and repairing tissue. After the body uses the protein in the foods, a waste product called urea is made. Cats with kidney failure are not able to get rid of this urea normally. Damaged kidneys may not be able to remove phosphorus from the blood. This causes the level of phosphorus in the blood to become too high. A high blood phosphorus level may cause the cat to lose calcium from their bones.
Phosphorus binders may be given. These come in tablet or capsule form.
High blood pressure (hypertension): Medication may be prescribed if your cat's blood pressure is too high.
Antacids and anti nausea medication.

Erythropoeitine: The kidneys produce a hormone, erythropoietin, which instructs the bone marrow to produce red blood cells. Cats with kidney failure often have a low red blood cell count. Only the human form is available and some cats may eventually recognize this substance as foreign and antibodies will be created against it.


What is the likely outcome for a cat with PKD?

It really varies from cat to cat. How many cysts are present, how large they grow and how quickly they grow. A cat with only a few small and slow growing cysts may live to an old age and eventually die from something unrelated to PKD. Other cats may have numerous, large and quick growing cysts and die at an early age.

There isn't a cure for PKD. Breeders are advised to test their cats. 
Hypertrophic Cardiomyopat 
Common Heart Disease
HCM
Advice for Breeders
HCM is the most common heart disease of cats, whether they are random bred or pedigreed. 
It is a heart muscle disease in which the papillary muscles ( the muscles in the left ventricle that anchor 
the mitral valve ) and the walls of the left ventricle become abnormally thickened.
HCM is often a progressive disease, and a Proportion of affected cats develop heart failure
if the muscle hypertrophy and subsequent scarring of the heart muscle significantly affects teart function.
Herbal Regimens
The following are the  regimens that is used for  cats: 
The original formula  used for the cat that was producing one kitten litters was: 

Pau D'arco -- 1/2 capsule once a day for 2 weeks. Then, 

Dong Quai -- 1/2 capsule once a day for 8 weeks. Then, 

Remove cat from the Dong Quai before breeding. 

The formula that  use now is just a bit different. Use it on every Queen, and they have been averaging 7 kittens per litter. That's up from 4 per litter. 

Pau D'arco -- 1/2 capsule once a day for 2 weeks. You may start this on a queen 1 week after she delivers a litter. It is not detrimental to the kittens. 

Dong Quai with F/C -- 1/2 capsule once a day until a week before breeding. 

Damiana -- 1/2 capsule per day for 2 weeks before breeding. This will help to bring the Queen into heat. 

Red Raspberry -- 1/3 capsule daily during gestation. 

Marshmallow -- (No not the kind from the candy store.)  1/2 capsule daily starting 1 week before litter is due and continuing while the Queen is nursing. 


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


The herbs used for the Queen that was aborting her litters are exactly the same as above with only one addition,  started to administer 5 drops per day of
 Myrrh into her wet food. This began the day after she was bred and  did it throughout the whole term. Research says that it is usually given during the first trimester, but it is not harmful, so  just continued to use it. 


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Administer Damiana to the males if I know they are going to be with a Queen. It's best to start about a week before the date, and continue during the breeding. This is to increase the sperm count. I would not recommend keeping the male on this all of the time because it increases sex drive. 


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


As a regular part of the cat's daily diet  include the following: 

Garlic Oil -- 1/4 capsule per cat 

HSN -- Three 1/4 capsule per cat 


Herbal CA -- 1/3 to 1/2 capsule per cat for good source of calcium supplement. 


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


A free roaming cat will graze a bit on grass, or some succelent young shoot. He will consume an occasional mouse, bird or lizzard. Cats are carnivorous, and their systems are tuned to digest mostly meat. As you plan their diets, you must keep these things in mind. You must monitor their health and eating habits by watching their weight, the brightness of their eyes, their alertness, their activity level, and their willingness to eat the diet you provide. Once, we decided to try a vegetarian diet for our cats, based on an article we read on how bad meat was for cats, and how poorly they did when put on a diet containing meat. After several days, we decided that most cats will refuse to eat shredded carrots and potatoes to the point of starvation. With diet, as with all other things, common sense goes a very long way. Keep in mind, that there is no substitute for clean surroundings, room to exercise, and love. Herbs help, as do special diets. 

Also, nothing in these pages is intended to replace the advice of your vet. However, if he seems to rely on steriods and antibiotics, to the exclusion of good animal husbandry practices, get a second opinion. 

------------------------------------------------
Herbs for Cats
Herbs, Historical Uses, and Prices

Herbs really help us. Why? Because they are foods Loaded with nutrients (vitamins, minerals, enzymes, and more) the body uses to achieve and maintain health. 

Do herbs cure? No. They nourish. If the body has the ability to heal, it will use the raw materials found in foods to do its own healing work. Herbs do not heal. They feed. Herbs do not force the body to maintain and repair itself. The simply support the body in these natural functions. 

Are there certain herbs for certain diseases? Herbs do not address disease. Herbs have been chosen--over hundreds of years of history--to feed and buttress the body. For instance, you might eat carrots for good eyesight and broccoli for immune-supporting anti-oxidants. Are carrots and broccoli cures for glaucoma and cancer? No! But, wouldn't you consume these nourishing herbal foods "at times of" these afflictions? History's answer is yes! 

This information is for educational purposes only and should not be used to diagnose and treat diseases. If you have a serious health problem please consult a competent health practitioner. 

You can purchase herbs at many local stores. Recommend is Nature's Sunshine, because of the quality and effectiveness. 

Acidophilus Intestinal flora that keeps bad bacteria in check. Antibiotics kill acidophillus so use especially after antibiotics treatment. 

ALJ Serious help for those chronic upper respiratory problems. 

Black Walnut Extract Fights fungal infections and expels tapeworms, parasites and ringworms. Give internally. Also apply externally to ringworms.  

Catnip Catnip is said to prevent miscarriage and premature births. 

Damiana Damiana is a rejuvenatory of the sexual organs. It will increase sperm count in males and will also balance the hormones in females as well as strengthen their eggs. It has the reputation of having the ability to restore natural sexual functions, and can help combat frigidity. In general it aids in bringing the female into heat and will help to correct nervousness, weakness and exhaustion. 

Dong Quai Referred to as the "Queen" of all Female Herbs. Dong Quai can rejuvenate and normalize the female's ovaries and strengthen the womb. It also stimulates the female hormone production so as to stop growth of ovarian cysts. This is the second half of the treatment that is used to correct the queen's infertility 
problem, which lead to the litter of four instead of one. However, this is not the herb of choice for this now, because It has been found a combination of herbs that uses Dong Quai as its main ingredient. This combination is called FC with Dong Quai, and is described later in this pamphlet. 

Echinacea ***This is a favorite. Called the "King of the Blood Purifiers." Echinacea does wonders for raising the imunity level of the body. It is rapidly absorbed into the kidneys where it cleanses and strenghtens that organ as well as the spleen, pancreas and liver. It can help to heal certain forms of cancer. The betaine and caffeic acid glycoside in echinacea rearrange and reorganize enzyme pattern systems within the body. This removes viral formations that might be hostile. Keep this on the kitchen table and use it for everyone in the household. 

FC with Dong Quai A combination of herbs that will cleanse the blood and strenghten the uterus wall, the ovaries and the womb. The combination contains natural estrogen, the female hormone as capsules well as an herb to help balance all the hormones. Cannot be stress enough that this herbal must never be used for a queen during pregnancy. This is only a preparatory program for before breeding. There are herbs for during pregnancy if that is desired. 

Garlic Oil A natural antibiotic. Animals love the flavor. Helps repel fleas, especially when combined with Three (described later.)

Herbal CA A natural source of calcium, readily assimilated by the body. It's chief herb, alfalfa, contains one of the richest vitamin and mineral sources of all plants. 

HSN Nutrition for the hair, skin and nails. Encourages healthy coats. 

Marshmallow (No not the kind from the candy store.) **This is a very useful herb. It is good for all lung ailments. It helps to relax the bronchial tubes while soothing and healing, therefore removing mucus from the lungs. MOST important  though it triggers muscle reflexes in the mammary glands which produce milk, increasing the flow of milk of lactating mothers.  

Myrrh Myrrh is a Bacteriostatic inhibitor which stops the production of staph and E Coli Viruses. Also administered during the first few weeks of pregnancy (the first trimester in humans), it helps the fetus attach to the uterine wall, therefore helping to prevent miscarriage. This is what is used for the queens that had previously had two miscarriages. 

Pau D'Arco ***If all you can ever afford is one herb, this should be the one. Also known as Ta Heebo. It contains antibiotic properties with virus-killing ability. Strengthens the immune system. South American countries distribute this freely to cancer and luekemia patients. Helps reduce tumors\polyps, pain, fungus, warts and anemia. This is the first step in the treatment for infertility. 

Red Raspberry Strengthens the uterus. A definite aid in labor and delivery. Helps prevent hemorrhaging; enriches and increases colostrum. 

Slippery Elm Excellent for diarrhea! Soothes inflamed mucous membranes of the stomach, bowels, kidneys and any other irritated areas.  

STR-J Comparable to Valerian or Be Calm. A must for showing. Many parents use this for hyperactive children. 

Tei Fu Essential Oils Use topically to stop bleeding from bites and scratches. Also fights inflammation that often follows bites and scratches. Can be used on nose leather (just a tiny drop) to help breathing when there is congestion. 
It contains three tonic herbs--alfalfa, dandelion and kelp. Serves as an all purpose vitamin/mineral supplement. Even contains those hard to find trace minerals. Helps correct dietary deficiencies . Kills fleas (even more effective when combined with Garlic oil). Promotes shiny coats. 

Yellow Dock **Again, one of  the favorites. Excellent for ear mites. Make into a tea* and dab directly into the ear with a cotton swab. One application usually does the trick, but you might want to follow up to be on the safe side. 
****Yellow Dock is somewhat of an antibiotic but most important it inhibits the growth of staph and E. coli bacteria. This is very interesting to those of us that know most pyometra infections, when cultured, are either staph, E. coli or both. 

Zinc Assists coat growth. Needed to produce male hormones, metabolize proteins, and repair injured tissues. Also helps appetite and digestion. 

*To make a tea: Boil 1/4 cup water, add contents of capsule, let steep 5-10 minutes. Strain through coffee filter. Put into eye dropper bottle. Refrigerate unused portion in sealed bottle. Discard all tea after 3 days. 


Erythrocyte Pyruvate Kinase Deficiency (PK Deficiency) in Felines
Home  ~Kittens  ~Kings  ~Queens  ~Expected LittersSPELLBOUND
Adults For Sale  ~CONTACT INFO.~Charcoal BengalsWhat We Feed ~Application For Breeder/Show ~Waiting List  ~
Our Prices  ~Guarantee  ~Picking Up Your New Kitten  ~About Bengal Cats  ~Links  ~Contact Me  ~
Considerations About Bengals  ~E-Mail Me