Renal Adenocarcinoma in Cats: Expert Vet Guide 🐱🩺 2025

By Dr Duncan Houston BVSc, veterinarian & founder of Ask A Vet

Renal adenocarcinoma, or renal cell carcinoma (RCC), is a malignant tumor arising from kidney epithelial cells. It is uncommon in cats but often aggressive—early detection, surgery, and expert support are key to prolonging quality life. 🩻🔍

🔍 What Is Renal Adenocarcinoma?

Also known as renal carcinoma, this tumor originates from renal tubular cells (not lymphoma). Histologically, it can be clear‑cell or tubular types and sometimes causes paraneoplastic signs like erythrocytosis or hypertrophic osteopathy. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}

🎯 Risk & Incidence

Though rare, RCC is one of the most common primary renal tumors in cats. It typically affects older cats (8–15 yrs), with no strong breed or sex predisposition documented.

🚨 Clinical Signs

Signs are often vague until the mass is large:

• 🔴 Hematuria or pigmenturia (blood in urine)
• 📉 Weight loss, poor appetite, vomiting, lethargy
• 🩸 Polycythemia (red cell increase) secondary to tumor
• 🦴 Hypertrophic osteopathy—thickened limbs from reflex bone growth
• ⚠️ Signs of metastasis—e.g., respiratory symptoms (lung spread)

🧪 Diagnostic Workup

1. 🩺 Physical exam and bloodwork: CBC may show polycythemia, chem reveals renal function.
2. ⚗️ Urinalysis: check hematuria, proteinuria.
3. 🔍 Imaging: ultrasound or CT reveals renal mass; subcapsular thickening seen on ultrasound :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}.
4. 🩸 Cytology/needle biopsy—definitive diagnosis but risk of hemorrhage.
5. 🩻 Thoracic imaging (radiographs/CT) to stage metastasis.

🛠 Treatment Strategies

1. Nephrectomy (Kidney Removal)

Single-kidney nephrectomy is the primary treatment:

• May provide symptom relief and remove primary tumor.
• In one study, median survival was ~203 days overall—but cats discharged post-op had a median survival of 1,217 days, with 40% alive at 1–3 years :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}.
• Post-op monitoring includes periodic blood tests and imaging.

2. Adjuvant & Palliative Care

• No well-established chemo for RCC, but sunitinib, toceranib or immunotherapy may be considered experimental :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}.
• Palliative care includes pain relief (NSAIDs, opioids), fluid therapy, diet, and blood pressure management.

📆 Prognosis & Outcomes

• Prognosis varies widely—often guarded to poor without surgery :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}.
• Median survival post-surgery ~203 days, but many cats live over a year with good quality life :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}.
• Long-term survival linked to stage, renal function, and absence of metastasis :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}.

🩺 Supportive & Follow-up Care

• Monitor kidney function, blood pressure, electrolytes monthly
• Manage anemia/polycythemia medically
• Supplement hydration, consider renal diets
• Recheck imaging every 3–6 months for regrowth or metastasis
• Address hypertrophic osteopathy—symptomatic relief and treat primary tumor

🤝 Ask A Vet Telehealth Role

Telehealth support empowers pet parents through:

• 📞 Remote monitoring of symptoms, appetite, hydration
• 🩺 Guidance on when surgery is needed or if palliative focus
• 📋 Assistance interpreting lab results and adjusting diets or fluids
• ⏱️ Help scheduling follow-up tests and screenings
• 💬 Emotional support and care planning through challenging prognosis

✅ Key Takeaways

• Renal adenocarcinoma is rare but often aggressive—early diagnosis helps.
• Signs like hematuria, weight loss, polycythemia are red flags.
• Nephrectomy offers best chance for extended life, though survival varies.
• Proactive supportive care helps maintain quality of life post-op.
• Telehealth via Ask A Vet brings timely guidance and reassurance.

📞 Final Thoughts

A diagnosis of renal adenocarcinoma is difficult, but surgical intervention—even unilateral nephrectomy—can offer months to years of comfortable life. With vigilant monitoring, supportive home care, and expert telehealth coaching from Ask A Vet, you and your cat can navigate this journey together. 💙

Questions about labs, blood pressure, renal diets, nephrectomy recovery? Visit AskAVet.com and download the Ask A Vet app for compassionate telehealth support anytime!