A genetic disorder, feline polycystic kidney disease primarily affects Persian cats, but it can occur in other breeds as well. Although there is no cure for the disease, medications are available to help control its symptoms.

Identification

Sometimes called PKD, polycystic kidney disease causes growths or fluid-filled cysts on a cat's kidneys, the organs used to filter toxins and excess minerals from its body. As the cysts grow, the cat's kidneys fail.

Symptoms

Symptoms of PKD typically develop when kidney failure begins and include weight loss, depression, vomiting, lethargy and excessive drinking and urination, according to CatWorld.au.

Time Frame

Cats with polycystic kidney disease have the cysts on their kidneys at birth, but they typically have no symptoms until later in life. The average age of cats that develop PKD symptoms is 7 years, but symptoms can develop between the ages of 3 and 10, according to Doctors Foster and Smith.

Diagnosis

Veterinarians diagnose polycystic disease through analyzing urine cultures and blood work. Ultrasounds of the kidneys are typically necessary as well.

Treatment

Treatment involves managing kidney failure and any complications it causes, according to Doctors Foster and Smith. Treatment methods may include intravenous fluids for dehydration, special diets to control levels of minerals and medications to slow the progression of kidney failure.

Source:

CatWorld.au: Polycycstic Kindey Disease in Cats

Doctors Foster and Smith: Polycystic Kidney Disease