Section: Overview
Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) is a slowly progressive, irreversible, inherited kidney disease that can result in renal failure. This is a common condition in some cat breeds and relatively uncommon in dogs. Australian bull terriers may be affected. The disorder is often present at birth. Multiple small cysts slowly grow in size, causing the kidney to enlarge dramatically. The cysts replace the normal kidney tissue, while kidney function continuously declines. PKD often progresses to cause clinical signs of kidney failure. Clinical signs of PKD are non-specific and are similar to those seen in dogs with chronic renal failure of any cause. These include depression, decreased appetite or anorexia, excessive drinking, excessive urination, weight loss and sporadic vomiting.
The digestion of food produces waste products, which are carried by blood to the kidneys to be filtered and excreted in the form of urine. When the kidneys fail, they are no longer able to remove these...
Polydipsia is the term used to describe excessive thirst. Polyuria is the termed used to describe what results from excessive thirst, increase urine production. Polydipsia and polyuria are early signs...
Your use of this website constitutes acceptance of our Privacy Statement and Legal terms Pet Care Information | Pet Information | Pet Health Information
