Glomerulocystic kidney disease in a kitten

Abstract

A 4-month-old 1-kg female Siamese-Manx cross kitten was evaluated because of renomegaly and renal failure. Ultrasonography and cytologic examination of a renal aspirate failed to provide an antemortem diagnosis. Histologic lesions included diffuse cystic dilatation of all tubules and Bowman's spaces in the renal cortex and occasional small glomerular tufts; the lesions were similar to those of glomerulocystic kidney disease of humans. Glomerulocystic kidney disease is a rare cause of early-onset renal failure, but should be considered when renomegaly is detected, cysts are not detected in the kidney by ultrasonography, and cytologic examination of a renal aspirate is nondiagnostic.