Section: Overview
Renal neoplasia is cancer located in the kidney. Renal neoplasia can originate in the kidney (primary) or spread or metastasize to the kidney from another site (secondary).
Most renal tumors are seen in middle aged to older dogs and cats. Nephroblastomas, rapidly developing malignant tumors, are seen in younger animals. Carcinomas are thought to be more prevalent in the male dog. About 50 percent of cats with renal lymphoma are feline leukemia virus positive.
Generally, there are no specific causes of cancer identified and cancer of the kidney is rare in dogs and cats.
What to Watch For
Early in the illness, many individuals do not show any clinical signs. However, later signs include:
Weight loss
Depression
Inappetence
Lethargy
Blood in the urine
Abdominal distension
Anemia
Excessive drinking and urinating
Diagnosis
Complete blood count (CBC)
Biochemical profile
Urinalysis
Urine culture and sensitivity
Abdominal X-rays
Chest X-rays
Abdominal ultrasound
Intravenous pyelogram
Abdominal exploratory and biopsy
Treatment
Hospitalization and support as needed, including fluid therapy and blood transfusions
Nephrectomy, or the surgical removal of the kidney and associated tumor, if it occurs in only one kidney
Chemotherapy
Radiation therapy
Home Care and Prevention
Administer medication and diet as directed by your veterinarian. Return for follow-up as directed.
Prognosis varies depending on the tumor type and ability to surgically remove the tumor. There is no known prevention of renal cancer.
