Accelerated generation of metastases of a renal cell carcinoma in canines. Case report

• DOI: https://doi.org/10.22533/at.ed.813512507015

• Palavras-chave: Carcinoma renal, cáncer renal, carcinoma canino.

• Keywords: Renal carcinoma, renal cancer, canine carcinoma.

• Abstract:

  Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is an uncommon neoplasm in canines, representing between 0.3% and 1.5% of all neoplasms. This predominantly malignant carcinoma originates in the renal tubular epithelium and often metastasizes to organs such as the lungs, liver, lymph nodes and adrenal gland. Clinical signs are usually nonspecific, making early diagnosis difficult. A 15-year-old mixed-breed female canine presented at the UST Veterinary Teaching Hospital with hyporexia and low body weight. Physical examination revealed corneal ulcer and umbilical hernia, while tests detected an abdominal mass in the left kidney, confirmed as grade 3 solid-type RCC through histopathology following nephrectomy. The patient initially showed recovery but developed widespread pulmonary metastases seven weeks post-surgery, leading to euthanasia. This case highlights the rapid progression of RCC with accelerated metastases post-nephrectomy. Although metastasis at diagnosis is usually present in less than 50% of cases and surgical intervention is palliative in advanced cases, metastases can arise rapidly, as occurred in this report. It is concluded that the case underscores the aggressiveness of RCC in canines, with metastases potentially developing rapidly after nephrectomy, despite the initial absence of metastases. Continued evaluation and careful postsurgical management are essential to address associated complications.