Changes

==Introduction==

==Introduction==

[[Image:SSC-like lesion donkey.jpg|right|thumb|200px|<small><center>Squamous cell carcinoma-like lesion. This resolved with potassium iodide therapy suggesting that it was in fact a pyogranuloma.(Image courtesy of  [http://drupal.thedonkeysanctuary.org.uk The Donkey Sanctuary])</center></small>]]

[[Image:SSC-like lesion donkey.jpg|right|thumb|200px|<small><center>Squamous cell carcinoma-like lesion. This resolved with potassium iodide therapy suggesting that it was in fact a pyogranuloma.(Image courtesy of  [http://drupal.thedonkeysanctuary.org.uk The Donkey Sanctuary])</center></small>]]

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is one of the common neoplasms affecting the eyelids and the third eyelid.  

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is one of the common neoplasms affecting the eyelids and the third eyelid. It occurs in donkeys in much the same way and character as in horses, although there may be less correlation with non-pigmented skin. It is likely that the prevalence is lower than in horses, but there is no firm published information. '''Cutaneous and ocular forms''' are, in D. Knottenbelt’s limited experience, '''more common than penile/vulvar forms'''. '''Ulcerative''' and '''proliferative''' (and mixed destructive-proliferative) forms do occur.

It occurs in donkeys in much the same way and character

as in horses, although there may be less correlation with non-pigmented skin. It

is likely that the prevalence is lower than in horses, but there is no firm published

information. '''Cutaneous and ocular forms''' are, in D. Knottenbelt’s limited experience,

'''more common than penile/vulvar forms'''. '''Ulcerative''' and '''proliferative''' (and

mixed destructive-proliferative) forms do occur.

==Signalment==

==Signalment==

* Diagnosis is invariably achieved by careful biopsy of a representative site.

* Diagnosis is invariably achieved by careful biopsy of a representative site.

* SCC is aggressive locally, but slow to metastasise. If associated with the orbit or eyelids, SCC carries a poor prognosis compared to cornea or conjunctival involvement. Always check for metastasis: palpate the '''regional lymph nodes and bony orbit''', '''auscultate the chest''' and '''check the rest of the body''', especially the perineal and preputial areas. About 15% are bilateral

* SCC is aggressive locally, but slow to metastasise. If associated with the orbit or eyelids, SCC carries a poor prognosis compared to cornea or conjunctival involvement. Always check for metastasis: palpate the '''regional lymph nodes and bony orbit''', '''auscultate the chest''' and '''check the rest of the body''', especially the perineal and preputial areas. About 15% are bilateral.

* Check any skin lesion around the eyelid margins that is ulcerative. Repulse the eyeball to study the '''third eyelid'''. Prompt action should be taken to investigate. '''Biopsy''' is essential for diagnosis.  

* Check any skin lesion around the eyelid margins that is ulcerative. Repulse the eyeball to study the '''third eyelid'''. Prompt action should be taken to investigate. '''Biopsy''' is essential for diagnosis.  

* Other neoplasms have been reported.  

* Other neoplasms have been reported.