Can Kidney Cysts be Caused by Something Other Than PKD?
Yes. However, cysts in non-Persian cats are relatively rare, regardless of the cause. So the current theory is that almost all cysts found in Persians and related breeds will be PKD cysts. Dr. Biller will be conducting research to help establish exactly how frequently cysts are found in non-persian cats. This study should help us understand the frequency of non-PKD kidney cysts in Persians, and possibly even provide clues about how they can be differentiated from PKD cysts using ultrasound. Since PKD cysts occur in the renal cortex and medulla, cysts that are outside the cortex and medulla areas of the kidneys can almost certainly be diagnosed as non-PKD cysts. However, as Susan Little, DVM, notes in a recent issue of Persian News: “… in breeds at risk (Persians and relatives), the most common cause of cysts by far is PKD, especially if there is a family history. So we put together the ultrasonographic appearnce of the cysts plus the cat and its family history.
