Gastric Squamous Cell Carcinoma - Horse
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Also known as: Gastric Neoplasia
Introduction
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]
See also: Colic, Gastric Causes
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, hypoalbuminaemia,[4]hyperfibrinogenaemia and hyperglobulinaemia.[6] Hypercalcaemia of malignancy may also be noted.[3] Abdominocentesis may demonstrate abnormal peritoneal effusions with neoplastic cells, inflammatory exudates[6] and elevated total protein concentrations.[7] Abdominal ultrasound may also help to locate metastases. The most common finding in the stomach at post-mortem 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[8] and the prognosis is grave, with a short survival time after diagnosis.[3]
Literature Search
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Gastric Squamous Cell Carcinoma in horses publications
References
- ↑ 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.
- ↑ Merck & Co (2008) The Merck Veterinary Manual (Eighth Edition), Merial.
- ↑ 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.
- ↑ 4.0 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.
- ↑ 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.
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 McKenzie, E.C, Mills, J.N, Bolton, J.R (1997) Gastric squamous cell carcinoma in three horses. Aust Vet J, 75(7):480-3.
- ↑ Tennant, B, Keirn, D.R, White, K.K, Bentinck-Smith, J, King, J.M (1982) Six cases of squamous cell carcinoma of the stomach of the horse. Equine Vet J, 14(3):238-43.
- ↑ 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.