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Polycystic Kidney Disease

Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD) is a slowly progressive renal (kidney) disease resulting in multiple cysts in the kidneys.

Inheritance: autosomal dominant (an affected cat must have at least one affected parent)

Sex: both male and female kittens can be affected

Age: cysts are present from birth and increase in size as the cat ages. At an average age of seven years, the kidneys become enlarged and do not function properly.

Breeds predisposed: Exotic Shorthair, Himalayan, Persian

Clinical signs: depression, anorexia, reduced appetite, polyuria (increased urination), polydipsia (increased drinking), weight loss

Prevalence: approximately 40% of Persian and Exotic cats have polycystic kidney disease, however many catteries are now breeding only from cats negative for polycystic kidney disease

Ultrasound: provides an accurate, non-invasive imaging technique for detecting renal cysts in the kidneys. It allows affected cats to be excluded from breeding programs. Affected cats should be neutered. Ultrasound diagnosis is 95% accurate in cats at least 10 months old but only 75% accurate in kittens less than 16 weeks old.

Treatment: early recognition and treatment of animals with chronic renal (kidney) failure will slow the progression of the disease and reverse the consequences of renal (kidney) failure. Treatment includes moderate dietary protein restriction, fresh water available at all times, phosphate binders, treat anaemia if present.

Prognosis: Affected cats have a shortened lifespan.

References

Beck C, Lavelle RB, "Feline Polycystic Kidney Disease In Persian And Other Cats: A Prospective Study Using Ultrasonography", Australian Veterinary Journal, 79 (3), March 2001, p181-184

Tilley LP & Smith FWK, The Five Minute Veterinary Consult - Canine and Feline (2nd Edition), Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams and Wilkins, 2000

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