Can Any Vet Test for PKD?
Although anyone with access to ultrasound equipment and minimal knowledge of ultrasound can do the testing, the quality and accuracy of the test results appear to be directly proportional to the skill, training, and experience of the sonographer doing the testing. Ultrasound testing can be expensive (as high as $275 US per cat in some private practices, and $25 to $50 US per cat in special PKD “Clinics”). Many breeders have had to re-test their cats after learning that the results from an inexperienced sonographer were inaccurate. Since the cost is relatively high, and accurate results are very important when used either as the basis for future breeding decisions or as the basis for PKD free sales, we strongly recommended that testing be done only by sonographers who have in-depth training in ultrasound techniques and considerable experience detecting kidney cysts and diagnosing PKD. In order of preference, we suggest looking for a veterinary radiologist first, then a veterinary intern
