cat-E-corner.com

Autosomol Polycystic Kidney Disease

   Autosomal Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD) is an inherited genetic disease that has been found in exotic cats, especially Persians and Himalayans.  Because it is an inherited disease, kidney cysts are present at birth, although the average age of onset of symptoms is seven years.   However, some cats may show symptoms as early as three years of age or as late as 10 years. 

   A veterinarian's physical examination might indicate enlarged kidneys.  Other symptoms include excessive thirst, excessive urination, weight loss, depression, reduced appetite and disorientation. 

   At this time, there is no cure for PKD and the cat eventually succumbs to kidney failure.  However, a cat that is PKD positive may not exhibit symptoms until later in life and may die of unrelated causes.  In other words, cats that test positive for PKD are not doomed to die of kidney failure.   

   Feline PKD can be detected through a non-invasive ultrasound procedure in kittens as young as two months, although accurate results are greater if the kitten has reached the age of 10 months.  Since research into this disease began about a decade ago, the way in which it is inherited is better understood.  Simply, an autosomal dominant gene, such as the one which causes PKD, results in a PKD-positive cat and one that will eventually develop the disease.  The gene can be inherited from either one or both parents.   If it is inherited from one parent, It is possible to produce PKD-negative kittens if the positive cat is bred with a negative cat.  In this way, breeders can have some influence over their litters.  Many breeders of exotics test their cats and won't breed those that are PKD-positive.  For now, the only way to wholly eradicate this disease is with controlled breeding.  

   If your cat shows symptoms of PKD, or tests positive through an ultrasound, there are ways to treat the symptoms.  Provide plenty of fresh water at all times.  PKD-positive cats are thirsty and water helps them flush blood toxins out of their systems.  Dietary protein should be regulated or restricted.  Your vet can provide an alternative, healthy diet for the PKD-infected cat.  Subcutaneous fluids may also be advised by your veterinarian.  

   This page is dedicated to Othello who lost his battle with PKD at the age of eight on September 4, 1999.

Questions or comments? Contact us.