Updated: November 9, 2023
Polycystic Kidney Disease in a 1 year old British Shorthair by Soundiagnosis
History: 1 year old male neutered British Shorthair cat, was presented to a Melbourne veterinary clinic for recurrent lower urinary tract signs including stranguria and haematuria. Our Soundiagnosis mobile veterinary ultrasound team were called to perform a diagnostic abdominal ultrasound to investigate possible causes of recurrent lower urinary tract signs.
Soundiagnosis ultrasound findings:
The ultrasound revealed a large amount of bladder sediment including a large amount of crystals in the dependent portion of the lumen. The ultrasound also revealed numerous rounded anechoic cavitations in both kidneys consistent with cysts. Both kidneys also displayed upper-normal size.
Diagnosis: Polycystic Kidney Disease Comments:
Polycystic Kidney Disease is an inherited disorder that is most common in Persian cats but British Shorthair cats are also predisposed. The progressive development and growth of numerous cysts in the kidneys eventually results in renal dysfunction, but the rate of progression is variable with some cats presenting with renal failure at a young age, and others later in life. No specific treatment exists; rather treatment focuses on managing renal disease according to IRIS guidelines. Complete blood tests, urinalysis, urine culture and urine protein: creatinine ratio were recommended for further investigation in this case to determine the degree of renal impairment.
Short blurb to go with video on social media: A 1 year old male neutered British Short Hair was presented for recurrent lower urinary tract signs. An abdominal ultrasound was performed to investigate for underlying causes, revealing these abnormalities in both kidneys. What is your diagnosis? What other diagnostics would you perform in this case?