Kidney Cancer In Cats

 

Aged cats are at a higher risk of developing kidney cancer, and as they age, their ability to recover from treatment diminishes. Most kidney tumors in cats are malignant and highly invasive, with more than 50% of cases spreading rapidly. Renal cancer can spread to various organs, including the blood, lymph nodes, lungs, brain, and spinal cord. Because of its aggressive nature, the cancer is often already advanced by the time symptoms become noticeable. This underscores the importance of routine or annual blood tests for your cat.

Kidney cancer in cats is relatively rare, with lymphoma being the most common type, followed by renal cell carcinoma. All forms of renal cancer are extremely dangerous and require immediate treatment. In many cases, kidney cancer has metastasized from other parts of the body, further complicating the condition.

Symptoms And Types Of Kidney Cancer In Cats

The symptoms are generally non-specific and may include:

  • Gradual weight loss
  • Reduced appetite
  • Low energy and lethargy
  • Blood in the urine

Cause Of Kidney Cancer In Cats

The precise cause of kidney adenocarcinoma remains unknown, and it is classified as idiopathic.

Diagnosis Of Kidney Cancer In Cats

Your vet will need a detailed history of your cat's health, including any symptoms they've experienced. A comprehensive physical examination and tests such as a complete blood count, biochemical profile, and urinalysis will be conducted to identify or rule out other potential causes. Urinalysis is particularly important for diagnosing kidney adenocarcinoma, as it provides key information for the final diagnosis. This test will detect the presence of blood, proteins, and bacteria in the urine, and a urine culture will be conducted to rule out infections. Occasionally, tumor cells may also be detected in the urine, which can help establish an initial diagnosis. Additional diagnostic tools include X-rays and ultrasounds, which will reveal the tumor's presence, size, location, and other crucial details. Your veterinarian may perform a kidney biopsy to confirm the diagnosis. In some cases, surgery may be required to obtain a sample of the tumor for a definitive diagnosis.

Treatment Of Kidney Cancer In Cats

There is no single cure for renal adenocarcinoma, but surgery is the most common treatment option. This involves completely removing the cancerous tissue along with some surrounding healthy tissue. In some cases, chemotherapy may be used, though its success rate is generally low. For patients with renal failure or other complications, treatment will concentrate on managing symptoms and preventing the condition from worsening.

Recovery Of Kidney Cancer In Cats

Since there is no definitive treatment available, cats with renal adenocarcinoma may have only a few months to live, even if the tumor is small and localized. If surgery is performed, your veterinarian will likely recommend regular urine and blood tests and radiographs to monitor for tumor regrowth. These cats often face complications, such as kidney failure, and will require ongoing monitoring. You can help by improving your cat's quality of life by keeping it comfortable and minimizing stress. Following your veterinarian's instructions is essential, especially when administering chemotherapy at home. Many chemotherapy drugs can be hazardous if not handled correctly, so consult your veterinarian on proper handling techniques.

 

Leave a comment

Please note, comments must be approved before they are published

Best Selling Combo

Best Selling Combo

Heartgard Nexgard Combo for Dogs Flea, Ticks & Heartworm Treatment

Customer Reviews

Overall rating: 4.8 / 5 from 1134 reviews.

Customer photo review of Custom Duty

Fast shipping great quality and price

Custom Duty

Customer photo review of Revolution Plus For Medium Cats 5.6-11 lbs (2.6-5kg)

Two sweet girlies decided to make our deck their home. Mosquitoes are a big problem where we live and we had to get them protected. This was the best bang for the buck. I’ve ordered from 79Pets several times and while delivery is not fast it is very consistent.

Revolution Plus For Medium Cats 5.6-11 lbs (2.6-5kg)

Store owner replied: Thank You Teresa!

Customer photo review of Nexgard Combo For Cats 5.5-16.5 lbs (2.5-7.5 kg)

As a retired veterinary technician I was extremely happy to finally see a flea and heartworm medication that actually does tapeworms too!!!!!!! This is a 1st to my knowledge....I live in a tropical climate where fleas never die so this is heaven sent.

Nexgard Combo For Cats 5.5-16.5 lbs (2.5-7.5 kg)

Store owner replied: Thank You Kimberly.

Customer photo review of Stronghold Teal For Dogs 44-88lbs (20-40kg)

Very happy with the price of Stronghold heart worm med for my dog. Seems to be working well.

Stronghold Teal For Dogs 44-88lbs (20-40kg)

Store owner replied: Thank You Dory!

Customer photo review of Simparica Trio For Dogs 22.1-44 lbs (10-20 kg)

My dog loves this product, never got any issue. Good price , deliver on time. We will definitely keep purchasing with 79 pets.com. Thanks!

Simparica Trio For Dogs 22.1-44 lbs (10-20 kg)

Store owner replied: Thank You Elle!

Customer photo review of NexGard Chew For Small Dogs 10-24lbs (4-10kg)

I have 3 of these little rascals so Michigan flea/tick season can be financially brutal! Thank you for keeping NexGard so affordable.

NexGard Chew For Small Dogs 10-24lbs (4-10kg)

Store owner replied: Thank You Elaine

Customer photo review of Nexgard Combo for Cats 5.5-16.5 lbs (2.5-7.5 kg)

After Seresto collars failed to get rid of fleas, I didn't know where to turn. I saw a post on a page I follow (Kentucky Kitty Cats) saying that they use Nexgard Combo for the cats they shelter. I decided to try it and IT WORKS!

Nexgard Combo for Cats 5.5-16.5 lbs (2.5-7.5 kg)

Store owner replied: Thanks Cari.. We are glad that you found treatment which works for your Cats..

Customer photo review of Revolution Plus For Large Cats 11.1-22lbs (5-10kg)

This is Lexi Marie! She was wondering why mom was so excited for buying flea medicine. I explained to her that we saved $100 and that she would understand some day when she grows up.

Revolution Plus For Large Cats 11.1-22lbs (5-10kg)

Store owner replied: Thanks Tammy!!

Customer photo review of Revolution Plus For Medium Cats 5.6-11 lbs (2.6-5kg)

Last year, I made a visit to the vet. I told them that Kattie/cat had ear mites. They gave me an ointment costing $80canadian. I used it up and purchased another bottle. $160. total not including the cost of the vet visit. No results. The ear mites have been there for a long time. Canadian vets have control of what is sold in Pet stores and you cannot purchase off the shelf products not recognized by them. I jumped at the chance to purchase your produce with a recommended 100% effectivity. I was willing to try, but was suspicions. After a month there was still a little scratching but after 6 weeks, the mites are gone and the scratching is gone. Thank you very much for this mite solution. I recommend it heartily. Harry P.S. Do not tell the Canadian vets as they will outlaw your product.

Revolution Plus For Medium Cats 5.6-11 lbs (2.6-5kg)

Store owner replied: Thanks Harry for review!!