Case report of an autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease in a Persian cat.

Polycystic kidney disease in Persian cats closely resembles the autosomal p olycystic kidney disease in human beings. Both diseases are inherited as au tosomal dominant traits. They are characterized by the development and enla rgment of cysts in the renal cortex and medulla resulting in progressive re nomegaly. Finally, both diseases usually are accompanied by renal failure l ate in life. The marked clinical and morphological similarities of APKD in Persian cats and the human disease, as well as the autosomal dominant inher itance pattern, suggest that the feline condition is a potential model for the study of APKD in humans.