Development of the urinary system of the marsupial native cat Dasyurus hallucatus.

The development of the mesonephros and metanephros was examined in the marsupial Northern native cat, Dasyurus hallucatus, from birth through to the end of lactation. The mesonephros was present at birth, reached a maximum volume 11 days after birth and had regressed completely by day 30. The metanephros was present on day 2; glomeruli were first seen on day 8, and nephrogenesis continued until day 89 post partum. The newborn native cat is at a very primitive stage of development compared to other marsupials. However, at weaning, like other marsupial species, the native cat has developed a fully morphological and functional urinary system.