PKD in cats Polycystic kidney care Life expectancy

PKD in cats: a disease that should not be underestimated

PKD in cats Polycystic kidney care Life expectancy, this is a very common hereditary disease in some feline breeds, particularly in the Persian and related breeds. This disease is characterized by the formation of numerous cysts (small fluid-filled sacs) inside the kidneys, which over time impair their functionality.

How does PKD manifest itself?

PKD is a slowly progressive disease that is often asymptomatic in the early stages. Symptoms may appear in adulthood, usually after the age of 7-8, and may include:

• Increased thirst and urination: The cat drinks and urinates more than usual in an attempt to eliminate accumulated toxins.
• Vomiting and loss of appetite: These symptoms may be due to the accumulation of toxins in the blood.
• Weight loss: Despite the increased appetite, the cat can lose weight due to the disease.
• Lethargy: The cat may become apathetic and less active.
• Hypertension: Increased blood pressure is a frequent complication of PKD.

Causes of PKD

PKD is caused by a genetic defect that is passed from parents to children. This defect causes cysts to form in the kidneys, which increase in size over time, damaging healthy kidney tissue and impairing its function.

Diagnosis of PKD

The diagnosis of PKD can be made through:

• Ultrasound examination: Ultrasound is the most precise examination to detect the presence of cysts in the kidneys.
• Blood tests: Blood tests may show changes typical of kidney disease.
• Genetic test: Genetic testing allows the diagnosis to be confirmed and healthy carrier cats to be identified.

PKD in cats Polycystic kidney care Life expectancy

Unfortunately, there is no cure for PKD. Treatment is aimed at slowing down the progression of the disease and improving the cat’s quality of life. Therapies may include:

• Specific diet: A diet low in protein and phosphorus can slow down the deterioration of the kidneys.
• Medications: Medications may be given to control blood pressure, reduce vomiting, and protect the kidneys.
• Fluid therapy: In case of dehydration, subcutaneous or intravenous fluids may be necessary.

Prevention of PKD

Prevention of PKD is primarily based on genetic selection. It is crucial to purchase cats from kennels that perform genetic testing for PKD and not to breed cats that carry the disease.

Prognosis

The prognosis for cats with PKD varies depending on the severity of the disease and the timeliness of diagnosis. With the proper care, many cats with PKD can live long, good-quality lives.

Importantly, PKD is a serious disease, but with early diagnosis and proper treatment, it is possible to significantly improve your cat’s quality of life.

PKD in cats: the latest research

Research on PKD in cats is constantly evolving, leading to new knowledge and potential therapies. Here are some of the most recent developments:

• New biomarkers: Scientists are studying new biomarkers in blood and urine for early diagnosis and more accurate monitoring of disease progression.
• Gene therapies: Gene therapy represents a promising area of research. The goal is to correct the genetic defect underlying PKD, but more studies are needed to evaluate its efficacy and safety in cats.
• Investigational drugs: Studies are underway on new drugs that can slow the growth of cysts and protect healthy kidney tissue.
• Role of diet: Nutrition plays a critical role in the management of PKD. New research is investigating the impact of specific diets on disease progression.
• Gut microbiota: Recent studies suggest a possible link between the composition of the gut microbiota and the progression of PKD.

Importantly, PKD research is an ever-evolving field, and study results can vary.

What does this mean for owners of cats with PKD?

• Hope: The new research offers hope for the development of more effective therapies in the future.
• Importance of Veterinary Checkups: Regular check-ups allow you to monitor the progression of the disease and intervene promptly.

PKD in cats Polycystic kidney care Life expectancy

PKD in cats Polycystic kidney care Life expectancy

When there is the formation of large multiple cysts, there is kidney compromise that causes chronic kidney failure. Increased kidney values occur when about 65-75% of the kidney is destroyed.

The diagnosis is made by abdominal ultrasound, which can also be made for early diagnosis. The symptoms of advanced PKD are similar to the symptoms of kidney failure, the animal drinks and urinates a lot, appetite is reduced, and weight loss occurs.

Life expectancy after diagnosis depends on the stage of the disease and the response to treatment.

As already mentioned, the clinical picture depends on how much kidney tissue is damaged by the cysts. Some small cysts do not cause symptoms, even the kidney values in the blood remain unchanged.

Chronic kidney failure triggered by PKD cannot be cured, but the disease can be slowed down with natural management.

PKD in cats Natural Remedies

Functional natural remedies are the same ones that I have been using for several years for the treatment of kidney failure, these must be accompanied by the remedy: Natrium Phosphoricum 30 CH + Omega 3 fatty acids

The importance of administering IFOS-certified Omega 3

Oral administration of DHA-enriched fish oils for 28 days significantly reduced blood AA levels and significantly increased DHA concentration and DHA:AA ratios in cats with PKD, and improved urinary SDMA, UPC, and NAG index, suggesting its potential for renoprotective effects in cats with early non-azotemic CKD due to PKD.

Studies have made it possible to establish that in chronic renal failure there is a direct association between preservation of renal function and fluid intake; in PKD it has been seen that increasing fluids slows down the growth of renal cysts, therapeutic effects of water have also been studied in the presence of nephrolithiasis. Scientific opinion is consistent in determining the medicinal use of water under these following conditions:

• CKD
• Nephrolithiasis
• PKD

In conclusion, PKD is a complex disease, but thanks to scientific research we are making significant progress towards a better understanding and management of this disease.

Disclaimer: The contents are for informational purposes only and under no circumstances can they constitute the prescription of a treatment or replace the specialist visit or the direct relationship with your veterinarian/doctor