Changes

===Diagnostic Imaging===

===Diagnostic Imaging===

====Thoracic Radiography====

It may be possible to visualise an abdominal mass with plain radiography, or dilated loops of small intestine may be seen, suggesting obstruction. Contrast radiography may be useful for localising filling defects of intraluminal space-occupying lesions or constrictions, particularly if gas accumulation makes ultrasonography difficult. Thoracic radiography is also recommended during diagnosis to detect pulmonary metastasis.

This is highly advised though presentation with pulmonary metastasis is infrequent.

====Abdominal Ultrasonography====

Abdominal ultrasonography is more sensitive than radiography in localising a mass and can assess the involvement of surrounding structures. In addition, thickness and layering of the intestinal wall can be evaluated: dogs with loss of layering are over 50 times more likely to have neoplastic disease rather than enteritis. Canine intestinal adenocarcinomas usually appear ultrasonographically as hypoechoic masses, and affected dogs have reduced gut motility. In contrast, feline intestinal adenocarcinomas are typically of mixed echogenicity and are often asymmetric.

Is more sensitive than radiography in localising a mass and can assess involvement of surrounding structures. In addition, guided needle aspiration or biopsy may be taken at this time. Findings may include the following:

* Intestinal wall thickening with loss of wall layering - dogs with loss of layering are over 50 times more likely to have neoplastic disease rather than enteritis

* In dogs, [[Adenocarcinoma|adenocarcinomas]] have been described as being usually hypoechoic and most dogs have reduced gut motility

* In cats, [[Adenocarcinoma|adenocarcinomas]] have been described as being of mixed echogenicity and are often asymmetric

===Endoscopy===

===Endoscopy===