Vet Guide 2025: Renal Adenocarcinoma in Reptiles & Amphibians 🦎🩺

Hello! I’m Dr Duncan Houston, BVSc and founder of Ask A Vet. Renal adenocarcinoma—a malignant tumor of kidney tissue—occurs in reptiles and amphibians, causing swelling, lethargy, pain, and often poor prognosis. As we deepen our understanding in 2025, this guide reviews tumor causes, clinical signs, diagnostic tools, treatment strategies (surgical and palliative), and supportive care aiming to improve outcomes for affected animals.

1. What Is Renal Adenocarcinoma?

Renal adenocarcinoma is a cancer arising from the kidney’s glandular epithelial cells. Though less common than soft‑tissue sarcomas or lymphomas, it is well-documented in captive snakes—especially colubrids like corn snakes—and amphibians such as frogs. In northern leopard frogs, the disease—known as Lucke’s tumor—is caused by a herpesvirus :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}. In snakes, tumors are typically spontaneous, unilateral, and sometimes hereditary, as seen in Cape coral snakes :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}.

2. Who Is Affected?

• Frogs: wild leopard frogs affected by Lucke’s tumor herpesvirus :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}.
• Snakes: captive species—corn snakes, king snakes, Cape coral snakes—regularly reported with kidney tumors :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}.
• Rare cases in lizards or chelonians but primarily in snakes and amphibians :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}.

3. Clinical Signs & Effects

• Noticeable swelling in caudal (rear) half of body—coelomic distension; often first visible sign :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}.
• Lethargy, decreased appetite, weight loss, regurgitation in snakes :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}.
• Additionally in frogs, ascites (fluid buildup), weakness, and death especially after hibernation :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}.
• Potential for metastasis—documented to other kidney, liver, or spine :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}.

4. Diagnosis & Imaging

• Physical exam: palpation reveals firm abdominal swelling.
• Imaging: X-rays or ultrasound identify a mass in kidney region; metastasis screening advised :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}.
• Histopathology: biopsy post-nephrectomy or necropsy confirms adenocarcinoma.
• Viral detection: in frogs, herpesvirus may be confirmed via histology/PCR :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}.

5. Treatment Options

5.1 Surgical Removal

Nephrectomy (removal of affected kidney) is most effective when detected early and contralateral kidney remains healthy. Reports show partial recovery and prolonged life in Cape coral snakes :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}.

5.2 Palliative & Medical Management

• Pain relief (NSAIDs/opioids) and supportive fluids.
• Monitoring for progression; adjust husbandry to support remaining kidney function (hydration, low-protein diet, warm temperatures).

5.3 Prognosis

Prognosis is guarded; metastasis and unilateral nephrectomy outcomes vary. Frogs with Lucke’s tumor generally do not survive post-diagnosis :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}. Surgical cases in snakes may extend life—but long-term cure is rare due to metastatic potential :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}.

6. Prevention & Early Detection

• Routine palpation and imaging in captive collections—yearly exams advised.
• Avoid breeding related snakes due to hereditary predisposition in Cape coral snakes :contentReference[oaicite:16]{index=16}.
• Viral control in captive frog populations—avoid re-introduction from wild sources.
• Maintain optimal temperatures and hydration to support renal health :contentReference[oaicite:17]{index=17}.

7. Ask A Vet Support 🩺

If your reptile shows abdominal swelling, inappetence, lethargy, or regurgitation, contact a specialist. With Ask A Vet, upload images of your pet, report history and lab results, and receive expert guidance on diagnostics, nephrectomy evaluation, supportive care, and euthanasia considerations. Visit AskAVet.com 📱

8. Final Thoughts

In 2025, renal adenocarcinoma in reptiles and amphibians remains a serious condition with limited treatment options. Early recognition, imaging, and nephrectomy offer the best chance for quality life extension. Preventive vet exams and careful breeding management reduce risk. Ask A Vet is available to support diagnosis, care planning, and compassionate decision-making in complex cases. 🩺🌿

— Dr Duncan Houston, BVSc