Polycystic
Kidney Disease
Polycystic
Kidney Disease: This
disease is an inherited kidney disease that has been found in Persian
cats. Polycystic disease is a disease that shows up later in life
(late onset) with enlarged kidneys and kidney dysfunction occurring
between three and 10 years of age (on average at seven years of
age). The condition is inherited and cysts are present from birth,
but are smaller in younger animals. Cyst size can vary from less
than 1 mm to greater than 1 cm in size, with older animals having
larger and more numerous cysts. Problems occur when these cysts
start to grow and progressively enlarge the kidney, reducing the
kidney's ability to function properly. The ultimate end is kidney
failure.
Some
of the clinical signs are depression, lack of or reduced appetite,
excessive thirst, excessive urination and weight loss. There is
a marked difference in when and how quickly individual cats succumb,
with the possibility of this developing late enough in life that
the cat can die of other causes before kidney failure. However,
kidney failure is certain when the cysts can grow and cause problems.
Rarely, cysts are also seen in other organs such as the liver and
uterus. PKD is most easily diagnosed by ultrasound. Ultrasound is
a non-invasive imaging technique that can identify the disease very
early in its course.
There
is no specific treatment for this disease. Treatment is similar
to treatment of chronic kidney failure of any cause. This treatment
includes moderate dietary protein restriction using high biological
value protein, dietary phosphorus restriction, providing fresh drinking
water at all times, use of phosphate binders, and treatment of the
anemia if necessary.
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