Renal cancer is a type of cancer that impacts the kidneys. It can either develop directly within the kidney or spread (metastasize) from other body parts. Although renal tumors are rare in dogs, most primary renal tumors are malignant. These tumors typically affect middle-aged or older dogs, though they can also occur in younger dogs.
Malignant renal tumors can develop in one or both kidneys, either originating in the kidney or spreading from other areas of the body. While these tumors are uncommon in dogs, they often necessitate the removal of the affected kidney. Dog owners must be proactive in their pet's health, as early detection of kidney cancer can prevent acute renal failure, and prompt treatment can significantly improve the dog's outlook.
Symptoms Of Kidney Cancer In Dogs
Some dogs may not show any signs of kidney cancer initially, but as the disease progresses, certain symptoms may appear. These can include:
- Increased thirst
- Frequent urination
- Blood in the urine
If the kidneys start to fail, the dog may experience additional symptoms, such as:
- Vomiting
- Depression
- Loss of appetite
- Weakness
- Dental issues
Causes Of Kidney Cancer In Dogs
Like many other cancers, the exact causes of kidney cancer in dogs remain largely unknown. This type of cancer is most commonly found in middle-aged to older dogs and can either originate in the kidney or spread from other parts of the body. Both male and female dogs are equally at risk, although renal cancer is generally uncommon. There is no known link between kidney cancer and specific breeds, except for the German Shepherd, which has a predisposition to a condition known as renal cystadenocarcinoma.
Diagnosis Of Kidney Cancer In Dogs
Blood tests, including blood chemistry and a complete blood count, may not show any abnormalities in a dog with kidney cancer, but they are essential to assess the dog's overall health.
A urinalysis may reveal elevated protein levels or the presence of red blood cells, aiding in diagnosing the condition. Abdominal X-rays are also useful for screening, as they often reveal an enlarged kidney if it's affected. Chest, spine, and leg X-rays might be recommended to check for cancer that has spread, which can impact the decision on whether surgery is an appropriate treatment option.
Advanced imaging techniques like CT or MRI scans may be suggested to determine if the tumor has spread beyond the kidney, aiding in surgical planning. An abdominal ultrasound can help confirm kidney involvement and detect metastasis to other organs or lymph nodes.
A veterinarian may also suggest a fine needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy, which involves using a thin needle to gather a tissue sample from the organ for further analysis. An ultrasound can be used to guide the FNA biopsy for precise sampling.
Treatment Of Kidney Cancer In Dogs
The primary treatment for kidney cancer in dogs is surgery to remove the affected kidney along with its ureter, the tube that carries urine from the kidney to the bladder. The surgical strategy depends on the tumor type, whether the cancer has spread, and if the tumor has plagued nearby structures, such as the caudal vena cava.
Renal carcinoma, specifically, shows strong resistance to chemotherapy, radiation, and hormone therapies, with fewer than 10% of cases responding to chemotherapy. Your vet will create a customized treatment plan for your dog's condition.
Recovery Of Kidney Cancer In Dogs
Recovery from surgery will involve:
- Rest.
- Medication (such as anti-inflammatories, pain relief, and antibiotics).
- You should regularly visit your veterinarian for follow-up visits to monitor for any signs of the disease returning or spreading to other areas.
