Disorder - Polycystic kidney disease

Organ Systems Involved
Urogenital

Brief Description

A condition in which multiple cysts are found inside one or both kidneys.

Presenting Signs

Polycystic kidney disease is the presence of multiple cysts or lesions within one or both kidneys. Typically dogs with kidney cysts are clinically normal during the early stages of cyst formation and growth. However, as the cysts become large enough or numerous enough, enlargement of the kidney or abdomen is detected. This may be felt when examining a dog by physical touch. Most kidney cysts are not painful when touched, however an infection of the cysts may progress if the kidneys are rapidly stretched and distended. Kidney failure is often associated with polycystic kidney disease when there are large numbers of cysts or they are concentrated in one area. Affected animals drink and urinate excessively, and may have mouth ulcers and bad breath, poor appetite and weight loss.

Treatment

Medical/None

Related Disorders

Progressive renal failure
Renal fibrosis

PubMed References
Polycystic kidney disease

Further Reference Material [OMIA Number]
807


Contributor
Candice Massingham