GASTRIC SQUAMOUS-CELL CARCINOMA IN 3 HORSES

Gastric squamous cell carcinoma was diagnosed in three horses. Clinica l signs observed in all cases were weight loss, anorexia and lethargy. Respiratory signs were prominent in one case. All three horses had de pressed albumin and elevated globulin and fibrinogen concentrations. T wo horses were mildly anaemic. inflammatory exudates were present in p eritoneal cavities in all cases, and cytological evaluation provided a positive diagnosis of squamous cell carcinoma in two cases. Pleural f luid samples taken from two cases were also classified as inflammatory exudates, but no neoplastic cells were detected on initial examinatio n. In all cases the neoplasms had arisen from the oesophageal region o f the stomach, and had metastised throughout the abdomen. Two cases ha d metastatic lesions within the pleural cavity.