With a BA in biology from Benedictine University and a DVM from the University of Illinois, Dr. Jennifer Creed is an experienced pet healthcare professional. From 1998 to 2013, she was a veterinarian with Emergency Veterinary Services in Lisle, Illinois, where she supervised emergency surgery. Dr. Jennifer Creed is interested in feline medicine and has published on feline health issues such as polycystic kidney disease. An inherited feline condition, polycystic kidney disease (PKD) is characterized by fluid (cysts) pockets in the kidneys. The liquid-filled sacs tend to multiply and grow in size over time. They increasingly make it more difficult for the kidneys to function, and ultimately cause kidney failure. PKD commonly occurs in Persian cats and other exotic breeds. When vets first recognized PKD, ultrasound kidney scanning was the only practical way to diagnose the condition. Today, a genetic test is available based on a cheek swab or blood sample. In certain situations, special radiographic dye studies can be used to diagnose the disease. Cats with the gene should not be allowed to breed, as they will pass on the gene abnormality.

1. AN OVERVIEW OF POLYCYSTIC KIDNEY
DISEASE IN CATS
Dr Jennifer Creed

2. INTRODUCTION
With a BA in biology from Benedictine University and a DVM from the
University of Illinois, Dr. Jennifer Creed is an experienced pet
healthcare professional. From 1998 to 2013, she was a veterinarian
with Emergency Veterinary Services in Lisle, Illinois, where she
supervised emergency surgery. Dr. Jennifer Creed is interested in
feline medicine and has published on feline health issues such as
polycystic kidney disease.

3. An inherited feline condition, polycystic kidney disease (PKD) is
characterized by fluid (cysts) pockets in the kidneys. The liquid-
filled sacs tend to multiply and grow in size over time. They
increasingly make it more difficult for the kidneys to function, and
ultimately cause kidney failure. PKD commonly occurs in Persian
cats and other exotic breeds.

4. When vets first recognized PKD, ultrasound kidney scanning was
the only practical way to diagnose the condition. Today, a genetic
test is available based on a cheek swab or blood sample. In certain
situations, special radiographic dye studies can be used to
diagnose the disease. Cats with the gene should not be allowed to
breed, as they will pass on the gene abnormality.