If your dog has been diagnosed with renal gland cancer, you will need to understand more about his condition and the causes behind it before you decide how to proceed with treatment. Canine renal carcinoma can be caused by a variety of factors, including genetics, chemical exposure or environmental toxins; the outcomes vary depending on the size of your pet's tumor, the length of time your dog has been sick and the predisposing condition that contributed to his cancer. Discuss treatment options and possible outcomes with your dog's veterinarian to determine the best and most humane course of action for your dog.
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Types
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Renal cancer can be solid, tubular or papillary. Often, the cancers present as a mixed version of all three types. They are most often found in only one of the two kidneys. The tumors are usually large by the time they cause enough problems to be detected. Most affected by renal cancers are medium-to-large breeds and older dogs, although they may also occur in smaller breed dogs and middle-aged dogs.
Signs
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Clinical signs of renal carcinoma in your dog include an enlarged abdomen, pain in the abdominal area and apparent lameness. It is unusual for renal carcinoma in dogs to cause urinary symptoms, such as blood in the urine or incontinence.
Medical Testing
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Canine renal carcinoma may be detected by any one of a series of tests, including urinalysis and urine sediment cytology, blood tests for certain types of anemia, which could present secondary to the condition, as well as evidence of uremia and polycythemia, both of which can be present in conjunction with urinary tumors. Several types of imaging tests may also help to identify tumors, including ultrasounds, MRIs, CT scans, caval venography, nuclear scintigraphy and renal LSA tests. Needle, FNA and wedge biopsies are also used in identifying which tumors may be cancerous.
Treatment
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Treatment for canine renal cancer depends upon what type of cancer is present, the size of the tumor and its cause. Possible treatments involve surgery, chemotherapy and immunotherapy, including radiation therapy.
Outcomes
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Dogs diagnoses with renal cancer have an average life expectancy of eight to 16 months following diagnosis, but with proper treatment, it is possible for a dog with renal cancer to survive up to four years or more. The prognosis for your pet will depend largely upon how advanced the renal cancer at the time of diagnosis, how much of the tumor is able to be removed surgically and whether it has metastasized in the body.
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