Pkd

Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD)

Persian and exotic shorthaired cats are especially susceptible to a genetic kidney disorder known as Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD). The same dominant gene occurs in dogs, other animals, and humans. Research began in the 1990s using female Persians as the test subject. [h]Causes[/h] Even though kittens are born with cysts, the disease is slow to manifest and causes enlarged kidneys and kidney dysfunction in older Persians of seven years of age and older. In the beginning of the cyst formation, they are small, no larger than a centimeter or so. The cysts at this point do not seem to pose a problem in kittens but as the cats age, the cysts become much larger. The kidneys enlarge as the cysts enlarge. The cysts also grow in numbers as well as size. The kidneys are taxed to the point that they can no longer function normally and shut down which ultimately causes renal failure. [...]

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