Kidney Cancer in Cats
Key takeaways
Kidney cancer is rare in cats and describes the development of tumors in the renal system which can include a large number of different tumor types.
- Kidney cancer can be caused as a complication of Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) or arise spontaneously
- Renal cell carcinoma and transitional cell carcinoma are examples of common types of kidney cancer
- Symptoms include weight loss, lethargy, excessive thirst and urination, and bloody urine
- The severity of the symptoms can vary by the metastasis, growth, and staging of the cancer
- Diagnostics include medical imaging, blood work, urinalysis, and biopsies
- Treatment can involve chemotherapy, surgery, radiation, and palliative care
- As prognosis is poor, life expectancy is low even with treatment
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A closer look: Kidney Cancer in Cats
Cancer describes abnormal, uncontrolled cell growth resulting in a mass of cells referred to as a tumor. Kidney cancer is a general term referring to any tumor found in the kidney or its related tissues and structures. There are specific subtypes of kidney cancer based on what cell type the tumor growth originates from.
Kidney cancer is rare in cats but the prognosis is poor. Life expectancy is generally a few months and palliative care is often the only available treatment.
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Risk factors
Keeping cats indoors and up to date on feline leukemia vaccination may reduce the likelihood of renal lymphoma.
Symptoms can vary in severity depending on the type and staging of the cancer, growth rate, and if the cancer has spread to multiple organs.
In the cases of cancers that have spread either from or to the kidneys relative to other organs, symptoms can be organ-specific.
Possible causes
The causes are generally unknown though kidney cancer is more common in older cats and is closely associated with feline leukemia virus infection.
Kidney tumors can be benign or malignant and are both a primary and secondary site for tumor formation.
Main symptoms
Testing and diagnosis
After a physical examination and medical history, a number of tests can be done to determine diagnosis and staging;
- Diagnostic imaging
- Blood work
- Urinalysis
- Biopsy
Steps to Recovery
Once kidney cancer is confirmed, there are a number of options for treatment;
- Surgical removal of the affected kidney
- Radiation
- Chemotherapy
- Palliative care
- Symptom management
The prognosis for kidney cancer in cats is generally poor and often ends in total renal failure. Life expectancy in most forms is several months.
Prevention
The cause of kidney cancer is not known, so prevention is not possible. Ensuring outdoor cats are vaccinated against FeLV and FIV are recommended and may prevent kidney cancer associated with these immunosuppressive infections.
Kidney cancer is not contagious.
Is Kidney Cancer in Cats common?
Kidney cancer is rare in cats
Typical Treatment
- Surgery
- Radiation
- Chemotherapy
- Palliative care
- Symptom management
