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Peer-reviewed veterinary case report

Surgical oncology of exotic animals.

Journal:
The veterinary clinics of North America. Exotic animal practice
Year:
2004
Authors:
Mehler, Stephen J & Bennett, R Avery
Affiliation:
Veterinary Hospital · United States

Plain-English summary

This article talks about how to manage exotic animals, like reptiles or birds, that have tumors. It explains how to properly diagnose these tumors and determine how far the disease has spread. The article also discusses different tools used for taking tissue samples and the importance of removing all the tumor tissue during surgery to check for any remaining cancer cells. Additionally, it covers what to do after surgery and how other treatments can affect healing. Overall, the article emphasizes the careful steps needed to help these animals with cancer.

Abstract

This article reviews the initial management of exotic patients with amass. The important principles of the initial workup, including how to get a definitive diagnosis and how to stage the extent of the disease are covered. There are many biopsy instruments currently available, and the advantages and disadvantages of these are presented. Principles of tumor excision and marking the tissue sampled are also discussed. It is important to submit all of the tissue excised and evaluate the surgical margins for the presence of neoplastic cells, even if the tumor seems too small to put in the sample vial. Follow-up for patients that have had cancer surgery is also reviewed, along with the effects of adjunct therapies on wound healing.

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Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15296873/