Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Esophageal squamous cell cancer causing swallowing trouble in a cat
By Berube, Danielle et al.·Published in Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association·2009·Angell Animal Medical Center, United States·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Primary esophageal squamous cell carcinoma in a cat.
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
A 10-year-old domestic shorthair cat was diagnosed with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma, which caused a narrowing of the esophagus, making it hard for the cat to eat. The vet used endoscopy and CT scans to confirm the diagnosis, but a biopsy didn't provide enough information. Although attempts to widen the esophagus with a balloon were unsuccessful, the cat received supportive care through a feeding tube and medication called piroxicam. This treatment allowed the cat to live for 16 weeks after diagnosis and 4 weeks after starting the medication.
People also search for: cat esophageal cancer treatment · cat difficulty eating · piroxicam for cats · cat feeding tube care
Abstract
Primary esophageal squamous cell carcinoma causing stricture was diagnosed in a cat via endoscopy and computed tomography. Difficulty in making this diagnosis via endoscopic biopsy alone is described. Although balloon dilatation was unsuccessful, supportive care via gastrostomy tube feeding and administration of piroxicam successfully allowed a 16-week survival from the time of presentation and a 4-week survival from the onset of treatment with piroxicam.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19887387/