Endoscopically diagnosed gastric carcinoma in dogs

Neoplasims of the stomach are rare in dogs; most often gastric carcinoma is found. Flexible endoscopy of the stomach, combined with obtaining multiple biopsies for histopathologic examination is an important tool for establis hing diagnosis. This paper presents the signalment, history, clinical signs , laboratory results, radiographic and ultrasonographic findings in 6 dogs diagnosed endoscopically with gastric carcinoma from March 1997 to January 1999; furthermore, the endoscopic and histopathological features are descri bed in detail. There were two neutered and an intact male and one castrated and two intact female dogs ranging from 5 to 12 years of age. Duration of clinical signs ranged from 3 weeks to 2 years. History included vomiting in all dogs, weig ht loss and anorexia in 5 of them. Based on abdominal ultrasound findings n eoplasia was suspected in 4 of the patients, while 2 dogs were sonographica lly unremarkable. Lesions found during gastroscopy were variable, including single or multiple ulcers, a polypoid mass and diffuse infiltration of the stomach wall. Whereas radiographic and ultrasonographic evaluations of the patient can ad d diagnostic clues, an exact diagnosis can be established with endoscopy an d histological examination of biopsy specimens from the lesions. An explora tory laparotomy can be avoided.