Feline Kidney Lymphoma Study Guide

Overview and Clinical Importance

Renal lymphoma is the most common neoplasm affecting the feline kidney and represents approximately 3.6% of all feline lymphoma cases. This aggressive malignancy carries a guarded to poor prognosis, with median survival times of only 3-6 months even with treatment. Understanding renal lymphoma is critical for the NAVLE as it tests knowledge of oncology, nephrology, and emergency medicine simultaneously.

Renal lymphoma typically presents as bilateral disease (affecting both kidneys) and has a unique propensity to metastasize to the central nervous system, occurring in approximately 40% of cases. This CNS spread significantly worsens prognosis and complicates treatment decisions.

Etiology and Pathophysiology

Viral Association

Historically, renal lymphoma was strongly associated with FeLV infection, with approximately 50% of affected cats testing positive. Since the implementation of widespread FeLV vaccination and testing programs, the overall incidence of FeLV-associated lymphomas has decreased. However, the kidney remains a common extranodal site for lymphoma development.