What is Polycystic Kidney Disease?
Polycystic Kidney Disease, or PKD as it is commonly called, is a genetically inherited kidney condition. PKD is characterized by many (poly = many) fluid filled cysts (cystic = cysts) in the kidneys which can possibly progress into renal (kidney) failure and ultimately death. PKD is very prevalent in the Persian breed, which does include the Himalayan or pointed Persian. It is also found in other cat breeds such as Exotic Shorthairs, British Shorthairs, American Shorthairs, Scottish Folds and Persian first generation out-crosses.
