Winn Funded Research
Rah, H., D. J. Maggs, et al. (2006). “Lack of genetic association among coat colors, progressive retinal atrophy and polycystic kidney disease in Persian cats.” J Feline Med Surg 8(5): 357-60.
An inherited form of progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) is recognized in Persian cats; however, the prevalence of PRA in the breed has not been determined. Breeders suggest that cats from only brown (‘chocolate’) or Himalayan (‘pointed’) lines are at risk for PRA, suggesting the disease is not widespread. This study was designed to evaluate whether PRA in Persian cats is associated with three coat colors, including chocolate, or with a highly prevalent inherited disease in this breed–polycystic kidney disease (PKD).
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