Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) is a disease that occurs when fluid-filled cysts grow on a cat's kidneys, causing kidney failure. Veterinarians provide a variety of medical treatments to help cats live with the disease more comfortably.

Function

Since there is no cure for feline PKD, treatments for the disease aim to control the effects of PKD and prolong a cat's life for as long as possible.

Treatments

Treatment of PKD includes restricting dietary phosphorous, limiting protein intake and providing constant access to fresh water to prevent dehydration, according to the Cat Fancier's Association.

Calcitriol

The medication, calcitrol, is prescribed for your cat as it slows the progression of PKD, according to Doctors Foster and Smith.

Additional Medical Conditions

Cats with PKD may develop additional medical conditions such as hypertension and anemia. Veterinarians treat these conditions with prescription medications.

Time Frame

A cat with PKD will need to eat a specialized diet and take prescription medications for the duration of its life. On average, cats develop PKD symptoms at age 7. Cats with severe forms of the disease may die quickly after symptoms begin, regardless of treatment.

Considerations

Because the treatments for PKD are costly and the condition occurs primarily in older cats, many pet owners opt not to treat the disease. Instead, they make the difficult decision to euthanize their pets, explains CatWorld.au.

Source:

Cat Fanciers Association: Polycystic Kidney Disease

Doctors Foster and Smith: Polycystic Kidney Disease

CatWorld.au: Polycystic Kidney Disease in Cats