Gastric Squamous Cell Carcinoma - Horse

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Also known as: Gastric Neoplasia
See also: Colic, Gastric Causes

Description

Squamous cell carcinoma is the most common primary tumor of the equine stomach.[1] It can affect the cardia and upper squamous regions of the stomach, resulting in a persistent mild colic, commonly seen soon after feeding. The tumor can invade and metastasize to lymph nodes, the lungs and regions palpable on rectal examination.[1]

Clinical Signs

The main clinical signs include weight loss and general ill health.[2] Other signs may include anorexia, lethargy, abdominal distension, hypersalivation, pyrexia, tachypnoea, reduced borborygmi[3] and abnormal chewing and swallowing behaviour.[4] Hypertrophic osteopathy associated with this neoplastic disease has been reported in one horse.[5]

Diagnosis

Diagnosis is usually made by exclusion of other causes of weight loss and gastroscopy. Haematology may reveal a normocytic anaemia, neutrophilia and hypoalbuminaemia.[4] Hypercalcaemia of malignancy may also be noted.[3] Abdominocentesis may demonstrate abnormal peritoneal effusions with neoplastic cells. Abdominal ultrasound may also help to locate metastases. The most common finding at post-mortem in the stomach is a single ulcerated, necrotic mass in the squamous region.[3] There may also be nodules lining the peritoneum.[4]

Treatment and Prognosis

In most cases, surgical resection is not possible[6] and the prognosis is grave, with a short survival time after diagnosis.[3]

References

  1. 1.0 1.1 Olsen, S.N (1992) Squamous-cell carcinoma of the equine stomach: a report of 5 cases. Vet Rec, 131:170-173. In: Zimmel, D.N (2010) Neoplasia of the Alimentary Tract in Reed, S.M, Bayly, W.M. and Sellon, D.C (2010) Equine Internal Medicine (Third Edition), Saunders, Chapter 15.
  2. Merck & Co (2008) The Merck Veterinary Manual (Eighth Edition), Merial.
  3. 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 Taylor S.D, Haldorson, G.J, Vaughan, B, Pusterla, N (2009) Gastric neoplasia in horses. J Vet Intern Med, 23(5):1097-102.
  4. 4.0 4.1 4.2 Olsen, S.N (1992) Squamous-cell carcinoma of the equine stomach: a report of 5 cases. Vet Rec, 131:170-173.
  5. Schleining, J.A, Voss, E.D (2004) Hypertophic osteopathy secondary to gastric squamous cell carcinoma in a horse. Equine Vet Educ, 16:304-307. In: Zimmel, D.N (2010) Neoplasia of the Alimentary Tract in Reed, S.M, Bayly, W.M. and Sellon, D.C (2010) Equine Internal Medicine (Third Edition), Saunders, Chapter 15.
  6. East, L.M, Savage, C.J (1998) Abdominal neoplasia (excluding urogenital tract). Vet Clin North Am Equine Pract, 14:475-493. In: Zimmel, D.N (2010) Neoplasia of the Alimentary Tract in Reed, S.M, Bayly, W.M. and Sellon, D.C (2010) Equine Internal Medicine (Third Edition), Saunders, Chapter 15.