Introduction
Introduction
Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD) is a condition that has been a topic of interest in the feline health community since its first report in 1967. It’s a genetic disorder that primarily affects Persian cats and their crossbreeds, but has also been identified in other breeds such as British Shorthairs, Exotics, Scottish Folds, and Himalayans. As a pet science blog author, I’ve had the opportunity to delve into the intricacies of this disease, and in this article, I’ll share with you what I’ve learned, along with some personal insights.
Understanding Polycystic Kidney Disease
PKD is an inherited disease that is slowly progressive and irreversible. Cats are born with kidneys that have abnormal cysts, but symptoms typically don’t manifest until the cat is between the ages of 3 to 10, with an average onset at around 7 years old. In some severe cases, kittens may not survive past two months. These cysts can grow larger and more numerous as the cat ages, leading to a loss of normal kidney tissue and eventually, kidney failure.
Recognizing the Signs
The signs of PKD can be quite varied and may include changes in urinary habits, increased water consumption, loss of appetite, depression, weight loss, and a poor hair coat. In more advanced stages, cats may experience vomiting or diarrhea, ataxia, seizures, blindness, anemia, high blood pressure, and in rare cases, cysts in the liver or other organs.
Diagnosis of PKD
Diagnosing PKD involves a urinalysis and a blood chemistry panel to identify kidney failure. However, since there are many causes of kidney failure, an ultrasound examination is typically performed to confirm the presence of PKD. This method can also identify cysts in kittens as young as six weeks old, with a 98% accuracy rate in diagnosing PKD in kittens ten months and older.
The Genetics of PKD
PKD is an autosomal dominant inherited disease, meaning that a cat only needs one gene to develop the disease. This gene can be inherited from either parent. Cats with one PKD gene are “heterozygous,” while those with two copies are “homozygous.” The inheritance patterns can vary, but a homozygous cat will pass the gene to all of its offspring.
Managing PKD
Unfortunately, the cysts themselves cannot be treated, and surgical removal is not a viable option due to their small size and numerous quantity. However, cats can be treated for kidney failure, which may involve intravenous or subcutaneous fluids, dietary changes, routine testing, potassium supplements, phosphorous management, medications to control vomiting, and treatments to slow the progression of renal failure.
Prevention and Breeding
Breeders play a crucial role in reducing the incidence of PKD. They should ensure that breeding cats are PKD negative, which can be determined through an ultrasound examination of the kidneys. Animals found to have cysts should be spayed or neutered to prevent the transmission of the PKD gene.
Human Relevance
Interestingly, humans can also inherit PKD, with many similar features to the feline type. Treatment options for humans include renal dialysis and transplantation. There are two forms of human PKD, with the autosomal recessive form requiring two genes for the disease to manifest.
Conclusion
Polycystic Kidney Disease is a complex and challenging condition for cats and their owners. As a pet parent, understanding the signs, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of PKD is essential. By working closely with veterinarians and responsible breeders, we can help ensure the health and well-being of our feline companions. Remember, knowledge is power, and in the case of PKD, it can make all the difference in managing this inherited disease.