The disease is breedspecific and is mainly seen in Persians and Persian-related breeds, but there have also been a few cases of PKD reported in Norwegian Forest Cats and Maine Coons. If the cat is scanned by using eccokardiogram at app. 1 year old, by a skilled, certified vet, up to 90 % of the cats that have or will develop PKD will be found. Because of the high accuracy when the cat is scanned at one year or more, we have decided to have all our breeding animals scanned for PKD, because we want to make sure that the number of NFO's or MCO's that develop PKD is declinning nor increasing.

As the name suggest, cysts are being formed inside or on the surface of the kidney(s). Some times only one of the kidneys are affected, some times both kidneys are affected. The cysts can be present from birth but can also develop over time, either slowly or more rapidly, but it's a pregressive disease were there is no cure. The symptoms usually is seen in older cats, at an average of 7 years, and are not specific for the disease but is consistent with the symptoms seen when a cat is having chronial renail failure; increased fluid intake, useing the litterbox more frequently, losing weight and seems generally not itself/depressed.

If the vete suspects the cat to hav PKD a blood and urine sample will be taken, which will show an increased level of urea and creatinine value. In addition, urine specific gravity lower than normal and there may be an increased protein content, but it is only through ultrasound scan that the veterinarian can make the final diagnosis. If the cat has PKD there is no curative treatment available other than fluid theraphy and the vet can prescribe a special kidney diet the cat will have to eat for the rest of its life. None of this will cure the cat but can give the cat a better quality of life. Are there already signs of renal failure the prognosis is very poor.