Feline Polycystic Kidney Disease Study Guide
Overview and Clinical Importance
Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD), also known as Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease (AD-PKD), is the most common inherited renal disease of cats and one of the leading causes of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in Persian and Persian-related breeds. This slowly progressive, irreversible condition is characterized by the development of multiple fluid-filled cysts within the renal parenchyma, and occasionally in the liver and pancreas. Understanding PKD is essential for NAVLE success, as questions frequently address breed predispositions, inheritance patterns, diagnostic approaches, and management strategies.
Etiology and Genetics
Molecular Basis
Feline PKD results from a point mutation in the PKD1 gene located on chromosome E3. Specifically, there is a C to A transversion at position 3284 in exon 29 (c.10063C>A), which creates a premature stop codon. This results in a truncated polycystin-1 protein with 25% of its C-terminal region missing.
Polycystin-1 is a renal tubule membrane glycoprotein essential for:
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