April 2023

Over the last two decades, genetic testing has moved from a revolutionary scientific breakthrough to a common health practice. For pet owners, DNA screenings also mean that you can be a better pet parent than ever before, with cat and dog genetic testing allowing you to understand what makes your best friend unique.

Pyruvate kinase (PK) deficiency is an inherited metabolic disorder that affects red blood cells and can occur in cats. As implied by the name, it is caused by a deficiency of the enzyme pyruvate kinase, which is involved in the energy production process of red blood cells. The lack of this enzyme causes the red blood cells to break down more easily, leading to anemia.