Renal Cancer in Cats

Renal cancer is another term for cancer of the kidneys or renal neoplasia. Cats affected by renal cancer are typically middle-aged or older. Fortunately, cancer affecting the kidney is relatively rare in cats.

  1. Types

    • Feline renal cancer can either be primary to the kidney or it can be secondary to the kidney. Secondary to the kidney means that cancer of the kidney occurred due to spreading (metastasis) of cancer elsewhere in the feline body.

    Stages

    • There are five stages of renal cancer in cats. Stage 1, in which only one tumor is present, up to Stage 5, in which several tumors and metastasis of surrounding organs has occurred.

    Symptoms

    • Symptoms of feline renal cancer include anemia, excessive drinking and urination, blood in the urine (hematuria), an enlarged abdomen, lethargy, lack of appetite, weight loss and depression.

    Diagnosis

    • To diagnose feline renal cancer, the veterinarian may perform tests such as blood tests, a urinalysis, x-rays or an ultrasound.

    Treatment

    • Depending on the severity of the renal cancer, there many be several treatment options including hospitalization with fluid therapy or blood transfusions, removal of the kidney (nephrectomy), chemotherapy or radiation therapy.