Polycystic kidney in an adult Persian cat: clinical, diagnostic imaging, pathologic, and clinical pathologic evaluations

Abstract

In the Persian cat, polycystic kidney disease is inherited as an autosomal dominant trait. Affected Persian cats usually do not develop chronic renal failure until later in adult life (3–10 years; average, 7 years). An affected 4.5-year-old male Persian cat referred with depression, lethargy, and anorexia that were present for 2 months before referring to us. Weight loss was one of the problems reported by the owner. In physical examination, pale mucus membranes, tachycardia, and stomatitis prevailed. Laboratory findings were compatible to that of chronic renal diseases. In ultrasonographic examination, right and left kidneys were 4.3 × 2 and 4.3 × 2.5 cm, respectively. Multiple renal cysts were seen in both kidneys. Cysts had thin walls with anechoic contents and strong distal echo enhancement. The cat died after 2 months probably due to uremia. Necropsy findings showed small locations of hemorrhage in the stomach. Sever Stomatitis was also noted. Necropsic examination of the kidneys showed several cysts in the cortex and medulla of both kidneys. Most of these cysts were filled with fluids. Microscopic examination showed many cysts of 800–8,000-μm diameters. Some cellular infiltrates were also seen in some regions. Interstitial connective tissues were developed around cysts.