Feline Kidney Tumor

Kidney tumors in cats are rare, but they can lead to serious health complications and even death. Most cats diagnosed with kidney tumors and cancer are older pets, according to the Long Beach Animal Hospital, though tumors can occur at any age. Most cats that develop kidney tumors are also positive for feline leukemia virus (FeLV).

  1. Types

    • The most common kidney tumors in cats are renal lymphosarcoma tumors, according to the Veterinary Society of Surgical Oncology. Tumors resulting from renal lymphosarcoma (LSA) are cancerous and can spread through the cat's body if left untreated. Mesenchymal tumors are rare, but they are highly cancerous and spread quickly. Benign kidney tumors do occur in cats, but they do not typically produce symptoms and are found accidentally.

    Symptoms

    • Cats with kidney tumors often display many different symptoms resulting from the loss of function in the kidneys. A veterinarian should examine cats that display symptoms that could be indicative of kidney tumors or kidney disease. The most common symptom of kidney problems in cats is excessive thirst and urination, though these symptoms can point to other health problems, such as diabetes. Cats with kidney tumors may have a poor appetite and lose weight quickly because of the kidneys' inability to flush toxins out of the body. Weakness, vomiting, seizures, high blood pressure and ulcers are other common symptoms of feline kidney tumors, cancer and disease.

    Diagnosis

    • Veterinarians use several different procedures and tests to check for kidney tumors. Diagnosis typically begins with a physical examination that includes analyzing the cat's muscles, lymph nodes, pupils and kidneys by palpating the area externally. Urine and blood tests check for abnormalities such as excessive protein in the urine and abnormal lymphocytes in the blood that can point to kidney tumors. Veterinarians also use imaging studies, including ultrasounds, CT scans and MRI to help diagnose kidney tumors. The last step in the diagnostic process is usually a biopsy of the kidneys to positively identify a tumor.

    Treatment

    • Most cats with kidney tumors undergo several types of treatment to help prolong their lives and keep the condition manageable. Surgery to remove kidney tumors in cats is common if the process of removing the mass will not damage the kidneys further. If the tumor only affects one kidney, the entire kidney may be removed during a procedure called a nephrectomy. Cats with tumors resulting from LSA usually undergo chemotherapy to eliminate the cancer and prevent it from spreading. Supplemental fluids given intravenously help keep cats with kidney problems hydrated. Veterinarians often prescribe additional medications to help manage the symptoms of kidney tumors, such as anti-vomiting medicine, blood pressure medication and antibiotics.

    Prevention

    • Many kidney tumors and problems cannot be prevented, though there are several things that can help reduce a cat's risk of developing kidney tumors. A healthy diet consisting of high-quality cat food and plenty of fresh water can help keep the kidneys functioning normally. Regular veterinary examinations are crucial to preserving a cat's health and can help identify potential problems in the early stages when treatment is most likely to be beneficial.