Gastric Squamous Cell Carcinoma - Horse
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This article is still under construction. |
| Also known as: | Gastric Neoplasia |
| See also: | Colic, Gastric Causes |
Description
Squamous cell carcinoma is the most common 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 and Diagnosis
The main clinical signs include weight loss and general ill health.[2] Other signs may include anorexia, abdominal distension, and abnormal chewing and swallowing behaviour.(REF)Hypertrophic osteopathy associated with this neoplastic disease has been reported in one horse.[3] Diagnosis is made by exclusion of other causes of weight loss and gastroscopy. Haematology may reveal a normocytic anaemia, neutrophilia and hypoalbuminaemia. Abdominocentesis may demonstrate abnormal peritoneal effusions with neoplastic cells. Nodules lining the peritoneum may be seen at post-mortem examination.
Treatment and Prognosis
In most cases, surgical resection is not possible[4] and the prognosis is grave.
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.
- ↑ 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.
- ↑ 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.