經過 TCMVET | 2024 年 9 月 8 日 | 狗癌症和腫瘤
Esophageal cancer, while rare in dogs and cats, is a serious and life-threatening condition. The esophagus, responsible for transporting food from the mouth to the stomach, can be affected by various tumor types, including 鱗狀細胞癌, 腺癌, and, more rarely, leiomyosarcoma. Early detection is crucial for improving the prognosis, but due to the subtle nature of the initial symptoms, esophageal cancer is often diagnosed late. This article outlines the clinical signs of esophageal cancer in pets, helping pet owners recognize early warning signals and seek timely veterinary care.
Common Clinical Signs of Esophageal Cancer in Dogs and Cats
The symptoms of esophageal cancer in dogs and cats can often be mistaken for other gastrointestinal or respiratory conditions. Here are some of the most common signs that could indicate an esophageal tumor:
1. Regurgitation
Regurgitation is the most frequently observed symptom of esophageal cancer in pets. It differs from vomiting in that it involves the passive expulsion of undigested food or liquids shortly after eating, without any abdominal effort. As tumors grow and obstruct the esophagus, they prevent food from passing into the stomach, leading to regurgitation.
- Key Observation: Unlike vomiting, regurgitated material looks undigested, as it has not yet reached the stomach. If you notice your pet frequently regurgitating after meals, it’s important to consult a veterinarian.
2. Difficulty Swallowing (Dysphagia)
As the tumor progresses, pets may experience dysphagia, or difficulty swallowing. This can occur due to the tumor physically blocking or narrowing the esophagus, making it hard for food or water to pass through. Pets may gag, cough, or display signs of distress when attempting to swallow.
- Key Observation: Look for signs such as drooling, excessive salivation, or repeated attempts to swallow, especially after eating or drinking. Some pets may even refuse food due to the discomfort associated with swallowing.
3. Painful Swallowing (Odynophagia)
In addition to dysphagia, pets with esophageal cancer may experience odynophagia, which refers to pain when swallowing. The tumor’s invasion into surrounding tissues and nerves can cause significant discomfort during the swallowing process. Pets may show signs of pain by whining, pawing at their mouth, or refusing to eat.
- Key Observation: Watch for signs of discomfort during or after meals, such as sudden refusal to eat, head shaking, or crying when swallowing. Painful swallowing can lead to weight loss and malnutrition.
4. 減肥
As the tumor grows, it becomes harder for pets to consume and digest food properly, leading to weight loss. In some cases, pets may develop a reduced appetite due to discomfort when eating, while in others, they may try to eat but fail to keep food down due to regurgitation.
- Key Observation: If you notice unexplained weight loss in your pet, particularly when accompanied by regurgitation or difficulty swallowing, this could indicate an underlying esophageal condition.
5. Coughing and Respiratory Issues
Esophageal tumors can sometimes lead to coughing and respiratory issues. This occurs when food or liquids enter the airways (a condition known as 吸入性肺炎) because the esophagus is obstructed, and material intended for the stomach is mistakenly inhaled into the lungs.
- Key Observation: If your pet starts coughing frequently, especially after meals, or shows signs of respiratory distress like labored breathing or wheezing, it could be related to esophageal dysfunction.
6. Lethargy and Weakness
As esophageal cancer progresses, pets may become increasingly lethargic. The inability to properly digest food and the development of secondary infections like aspiration pneumonia can drain their energy, leading to fatigue and weakness.
- Key Observation: Monitor your pet for signs of reduced activity, tiredness, or reluctance to engage in their usual activities. Lethargy in combination with other symptoms such as regurgitation or weight loss should be evaluated by a veterinarian.
Diagnosis of Esophageal Cancer in Dogs and Cats
Recognizing these clinical signs early can lead to quicker diagnosis and potentially better outcomes. Veterinarians use a combination of techniques to diagnose esophageal cancer:
- 內視鏡檢查: This procedure involves using a flexible camera to view the inside of the esophagus and take biopsy samples of any abnormal growths.
- 影像學: X光檢查, ultrasound， 和 CT scans can help visualize tumors and assess whether the cancer has spread to other parts of the body.
- 活檢: A tissue biopsy is the definitive way to diagnose the type of esophageal tumor and determine whether it is benign or malignant.
Treatment Options for Esophageal Cancer
Once esophageal cancer is diagnosed, treatment options will depend on the type, location, and stage of the tumor. Common treatments include:
- 手術: If the tumor is localized and surgically accessible, removing the tumor may provide the best chance of survival.
- 化療: This treatment may be used in conjunction with surgery or when surgery isn’t possible. It helps slow tumor growth and manage metastasis.
- 放射治療: Although not always highly effective for esophageal cancer, radiation may be used to shrink the tumor or relieve symptoms in some cases.
- 安寧療護: In advanced cases where curative treatment is not possible, palliative care focuses on managing symptoms like pain, regurgitation, and malnutrition to improve the pet’s quality of life.
Esophageal cancer in dogs and cats is a serious condition with subtle initial symptoms, making early diagnosis challenging. Clinical signs such as regurgitation, difficulty swallowing, weight loss, and respiratory issues can indicate the presence of a tumor. If these symptoms appear, pet owners should seek veterinary attention as soon as possible. Early diagnosis and treatment are critical for improving the prognosis and quality of life for pets suffering from esophageal cancer.
經過 TCMVET | 2024 年 9 月 8 日 | 狗癌症和腫瘤
狗和貓的食道腫瘤極為罕見，但當它們確實發生時，可能會帶來嚴重的健康挑戰。雖然寵物的大多數食道腫瘤是惡性且難以治療，但有報告指出良性生長，例如平滑肌瘤和漿細胞瘤，特別是在食道下段和胃食道交界處附近。了解這些良性腫瘤對於早期診斷和成功治療、改善受影響動物的預後至關重要。
狗和貓的良性食道腫瘤類型
雖然寵物的食道癌通常與侵襲性惡性腫瘤有關， 良性腫瘤 例如 平滑肌瘤 （平滑肌腫瘤）和 漿細胞瘤 （漿細胞腫瘤）已被記錄。這些生長物是非癌性的，與惡性腫瘤不同，它們通常不會轉移或擴散到其他器官。然而，如果它們阻塞食道，使動物難以吞嚥食物或液體，仍然會造成嚴重的問題。
1. 平滑肌瘤
平滑肌瘤是狗和貓中最常見的良性食道腫瘤類型之一。它們起源於食道的平滑肌組織，通常出現在食道下括約肌或胃食道交界處附近。這些腫瘤的大小各不相同，如果它們長到足以阻塞食道，可能會引起與惡性腫瘤類似的症狀。
- 症狀： 平滑肌瘤的常見症狀包括 逆流, 吞嚥困難（吞嚥困難）, 嘔吐，有時 減肥 由於動物無法正確食用食物。
- 治療：手術切除平滑肌瘤通常預後良好。由於這些腫瘤是良性的，沒有轉移的風險，一旦切除，就不太可能復發。早期診斷是預防食道阻塞等併發症的關鍵。
2. 漿細胞瘤
漿細胞瘤不如平滑肌瘤常見，但仍可能發生在狗和貓的食道中。這些腫瘤起源於漿細胞，漿細胞是一種負責產生抗體的白血球。雖然漿細胞瘤通常是良性的，但漿細胞瘤有時會變成惡性並轉變為多發性骨髓瘤，這是一種更嚴重的疾病。
- 症狀：與其他食道腫瘤一樣，漿細胞瘤可導致 吞嚥困難, 逆流， 和 減肥。如果腫瘤阻塞食道，動物也可能會經歷 慢性咳嗽 或跡象 吸入性肺炎.
- 治療：對於單一、局限性食道漿細胞瘤， 手術徹底切除 可以帶來良好的預後。如果腫瘤無法完全切除， 化療 可用於減少腫瘤大小並改善動物的生活品質。環磷醯胺和潑尼松通常合併用於治療漿細胞瘤。
寵物食道腫瘤的診斷方法
診斷狗和貓的食道腫瘤通常需要結合影像和內視鏡技術。早期檢測至關重要，特別是對於成功治療的可能性較高的良性腫瘤。
- 內視鏡檢查：這是診斷食道腫瘤最有效的方法之一。它允許獸醫目視檢查食道並對任何異常生長進行活檢。對於平滑肌瘤和漿細胞瘤等良性腫瘤，切片結果通常證實腫瘤的非癌性。
- 射線照相和超音波：這些影像技術還可以幫助識別腫瘤並評估其大小、位置和食道阻塞程度。對於較大的腫瘤或靠近胃食道交界處的腫瘤，X光片可能顯示食道擴張或阻塞的跡象。
寵物良性食道腫瘤的預後
患有良性食道腫瘤的狗和貓的預後通常是正面的，特別是如果腫瘤及早發現並透過手術切除的話。 平滑肌瘤，一旦切除，通常不會復發，也不會轉移。 漿細胞瘤如果完全切除，也可以帶來良好的結果，儘管可能需要長期監測以確保腫瘤不會復發或轉變為更嚴重的病症。
如果手術切除不完全或不可能， 化療 可以幫助控制症狀並控制腫瘤生長。定期獸醫檢查和後續影像檢查對於確保腫瘤不會進展或引起進一步的併發症至關重要。
雖然狗和貓的食道腫瘤很少見，但良性腫瘤（如平滑肌瘤和漿細胞瘤）的出現為早期診斷和治療帶來積極結果的希望。手術切除這些腫瘤通常是有效的，可以讓寵物恢復生活品質。與任何醫療狀況一樣，早期介入是確保最佳預後的關鍵。寵物主人應警惕動物的食道不適症狀，例如吞嚥困難或逆流，如果出現這些症狀，請尋求獸醫建議。
經過 TCMVET | 2024 年 9 月 7 日 | 寵物中草藥
黃耆（Astragalus membranaceus）是一種著名的中藥草本植物，因其廣泛的健康益處而廣受歡迎，特別是在增強免疫系統方面。對於患有血管肉瘤（HSA）的狗來說，這是一種侵襲性且往往致命的癌症，黃耆具有作為支持治療的潛力。其免疫調節、抗氧化、抗發炎和抗腫瘤特性使其成為一種有前途的天然藥物，可以提高狗的整體健康和生活品質。
什麼是黃耆？
黃耆是一種原產於東亞的多年生植物，其根幾個世紀以來一直在傳統醫學中用於治療各種疾病。黃耆以其增強免疫力的特性而聞名，可用於增強人體對疾病的防禦機制並改善整體健康。它支持免疫系統的潛力使其對於對抗血管肉瘤等疾病的狗特別有價值，在這種情況下，強大的免疫反應至關重要。
黃耆對狗的免疫調節作用
黃耆的主要功效之一是 免疫調節作用。血管肉瘤會損害狗的免疫系統，使它們更容易受到感染，並降低它們抵抗疾病的能力。黃耆的作用是刺激免疫系統，促進白血球的產生，並提高身體對抗腫瘤生長的能力。這種免疫支持對於患有 HSA 的狗至關重要，因為它可以增強它們的整體恢復能力並有助於減緩疾病的進展。
黃耆的抗氧化特性
由體內自由基和抗氧化劑之間的不平衡引起的氧化壓力可以加速癌症的進展。黃耆富含 抗氧化劑，中和自由基並減少氧化損傷。透過對抗氧化應激，黃耆可能有助於減緩血管肉瘤的發展，支持狗的身體在癌症治療期間保持更好的健康。
抗發炎和抗腫瘤作用
發炎在腫瘤（包括血管肉瘤）的發生和進展中起著重要作用。黃耆具有 抗發炎特性，有助於減少體內炎症，這可能會降低腫瘤生長和擴散的能力。此外， 抗腫瘤特性 黃耆一直是各種研究的主題，一些研究表明它可以抑制癌細胞的生長並促進細胞凋亡（程序性細胞死亡），可能有助於對抗 HSA。
黃耆如何改善生活品質
對於診斷患有血管肉瘤的狗來說，保持高品質的生活是治療的主要目標之一。 黃耆支持整體活力，提高能量水平和體力。接受黃耆補充劑的狗可能會增強耐力，使它們在患病的情況下仍能保持更加活躍並享受更好的生活品質。
支持傳統癌症治療
雖然單獨使用黃耆不能治癒血管肉瘤，但它可以作為一種極好的治療方法。 補充療法 與化療等傳統癌症治療一起使用。它具有增強免疫功能、減少發炎和提供抗氧化支持的能力，使其成為增強傳統治療效果並減輕一些負面副作用的理想天然補充劑。
如何給狗狗服用黃耆
黃耆可以多種形式服用，包括粉劑、酊劑和膠囊。在將黃耆引入您的狗的治療計劃之前，有必要諮詢獸醫，因為他們可以建議適當的劑量，並確保它不會幹擾其他藥物或療法。
黃耆（Astragalus membranaceus）是一種強大的天然藥物，可為對抗血管肉瘤的狗提供一系列益處。其免疫調節、抗氧化、抗發炎和抗腫瘤特性有助於支持免疫系統，減緩癌症的進展，並改善整體健康和活力。當與常規治療結合使用時，黃耆可以提高患有血管肉瘤的狗的生活質量，使其成為其護理方案的寶貴補充。
經過 TCMVET | 2024 年 9 月 7 日 | 狗癌症和腫瘤
心臟腫瘤，尤其是血管肉瘤，對狗造成重大健康風險，德國牧羊犬、黃金獵犬和拉布拉多獵犬等品種特別容易罹患這種侵襲性癌症。血管肉瘤常起源於心臟的右心房，導致各種心血管併發症。診斷狗心臟腫瘤最有效的工具之一是心電圖（ECG），它可以測量心臟的電活動。透過識別心律和電傳導的不規則性，獸醫可以獲得關於狗心臟腫瘤的存在和嚴重程度的重要見解。
心電圖在檢測心臟腫瘤的重要性
心電圖是一種記錄心臟電脈衝的非侵入性診斷工具。當心臟腫瘤發生時，它會影響心臟正確傳導這些脈衝的能力。腫瘤的存在，尤其是與心包膜積水或心包填塞（因液體積聚而壓迫心臟）有關時，通常會導致心電圖發生明顯變化。這些變化可以幫助獸醫懷疑或確認腫瘤的存在。
患有心臟腫瘤的狗的常見心電圖異常
患有心臟腫瘤的狗的心電圖結果可以揭示顯示心臟功能障礙的特定電模式。患有心臟腫瘤的狗最常見的一些異常包括：
1. 電氣交替
患有心臟腫瘤的狗的標誌性發現之一，特別是當伴有心包積液時，是 電交替。其特徵是心電圖上 QRS 波群的振幅交替，通常是由充滿液體的心包囊內的心臟擺動引起的。這種擺動運動會導致心臟和心電圖電極之間的距離變化，從而導致 QRS 波群大小發生變化。電交替是嚴重心包膜積液的強力指標，而心包膜積水通常與心臟腫瘤有關。
2. 降低的 QRS 波幅
患有心臟腫瘤的狗的另一個常見發現是 QRS 波群振幅降低。當心包膜積液抑制心臟的電訊號，使 QRS 波群顯得比平常更小時，就會發生這種情況。 QRS波動降低是心臟周圍有液體的重要線索，這可能是由腫瘤出血引起的，特別是在血管肉瘤的情況下。
3. 心律不整
心臟腫瘤，尤其是影響右心房的腫瘤，可導致 心律不整 或心律不整。與心臟腫瘤相關的最常見心律不整包括：
- 心房震顫：這是一種不規則且通常快速的心跳，當心臟的上腔（心房）經歷混亂的電信號時就會發生。心房顫動會顯著降低心臟的效率，並導致虛弱、嗜睡和虛脫等症狀。
- 室性心律不整：腫瘤也會引發心室異常電活動，導致潛在危及生命的病症，例如室性心動過速（心臟跳動過快）或心室顫動（心臟顫動而不是有效泵血）。
4. ST 板塊變動
ST 段壓低或抬高 心電圖上的顯示可以顯示心肌缺血或損傷，如果腫瘤影響心臟內的血流，可能會發生這種情況。這些變化可能表明心臟承受著巨大的壓力，這通常是由於腫瘤引起的循環受損造成的。
5. 延長 PR 間隔
在某些情況下，心電圖可能會顯示 PR間期延長，顯示心房和心室之間的電傳導延遲。當腫瘤破壞心臟的電通路，導致脈衝傳輸減慢時，就會發生這種情況。
結合其他診斷來解釋心電圖結果
雖然心電圖檢查結果對於檢測心臟腫瘤很有價值，但與其他診斷方法結合時最有效。單獨的心電圖不能明確證實腫瘤的存在，但它提供了指導進一步研究的重要線索。獸醫經常將心電圖結果與以下各項結合使用：
- 超音波心動圖（超音波）：這樣可以直接觀察心臟和周圍結構，從而可以檢測腫瘤、心包膜積液和其他併發症。
- 胸部 X 光檢查：這些可以顯示心臟增大或心臟周圍存在液體，這通常伴隨著心臟腫瘤。
- 流體分析：如果存在心包膜積液，分析液體可以幫助確定原因是腫瘤性（與癌症相關）還是其他情況，例如感染或發炎。
心電圖在心臟腫瘤病例的臨床意義
識別患有心臟腫瘤的狗的心電圖異常對於早期診斷和治療至關重要。如果不及時幹預，心臟腫瘤可導致嚴重的併發症，如心臟衰竭、心包填塞和猝死。定期心電圖監測有助於在臨床症狀變得嚴重之前發現心臟功能的變化，從而進行更積極的治療。
對於已經診斷出心臟腫瘤的狗，心電圖也可以用來監測疾病的進展和治療的有效性。及早發現危及生命的心律不整或惡化的心包積液可以及時進行醫療幹預，從而有可能延長狗的壽命並提高其生活品質。
心電圖 (ECG) 是識別狗心臟腫瘤的重要診斷工具，特別是與其他診斷方法結合使用時。常見的心電圖表現，如電交替、QRS 波動和心律不整，為有關心包積液和潛在心臟腫瘤的存在提供了重要線索。透過心電圖進行早期發現可以透過促進及時診斷和介入來改善狗的預後。由於心臟腫瘤，尤其是血管肉瘤，具有高度侵襲性，因此定期監測和診斷影像對於高風險品種至關重要。
經過 TCMVET | 2024 年 9 月 7 日 | 狗癌症和腫瘤
Heart tumors, particularly hemangiosarcomas, are a severe and often life-threatening condition that commonly affects dogs, especially certain breeds like German Shepherds, Golden Retrievers, and Labrador Retrievers. These tumors typically form in the heart’s right atrium or the pericardium (the sac surrounding the heart). Due to the rapid and aggressive nature of these tumors, early detection is difficult, and clinical symptoms can often appear suddenly, leading to acute medical crises.
Common Breeds Affected by Canine Heart Tumors
While heart tumors can potentially affect any dog, they are most frequently observed in larger breeds, particularly German Shepherds, Golden Retrievers, and Labradors. These breeds are genetically predisposed to developing hemangiosarcomas. Owners of these breeds should be aware of the risks and monitor their pets closely for signs of heart disease or tumors as they age.
Sudden Onset of Clinical Symptoms
The clinical signs of heart tumors in dogs often appear suddenly and can progress rapidly. Some of the most common symptoms include:
- Collapse or Acute Death: One of the most alarming symptoms is sudden collapse, which can be caused by heart failure or acute bleeding into the pericardium. In some cases, the first noticeable sign of a heart tumor may be sudden death, particularly if the tumor causes a rupture or cardiac tamponade.
- Exercise Intolerance: Dogs with heart tumors often show reduced tolerance for physical activity. They may become lethargic, tire easily, or struggle with activities they once enjoyed.
- 心律不整: Irregular heartbeats are another common sign. These arrhythmias can lead to fainting spells or weakness. Owners may also notice that their dog appears confused or disoriented.
- Muffled Heart Sounds: A veterinarian may detect muffled heart sounds during a routine examination, which can indicate the presence of fluid or a mass in the pericardial sac.
- Ascites and Swelling: In some cases, dogs develop ascites (fluid accumulation in the abdomen) due to right-sided heart failure caused by the tumor. This may present as swelling of the abdomen, which can cause discomfort and difficulty breathing.
- Breathing Difficulties: As the tumor progresses, dogs may experience respiratory distress due to fluid buildup in the chest cavity or because of the heart’s reduced ability to pump blood effectively.
診斷程序
When a dog presents with these clinical symptoms, veterinarians employ several diagnostic methods to confirm the presence of a heart tumor:
- Echocardiogram (Ultrasound): This is the most reliable diagnostic tool for detecting pericardial effusion (fluid buildup around the heart). However, the tumor itself is not always visible on ultrasound, making it crucial to differentiate from other causes, such as idiopathic pericardial effusion.
- 胸部 X 光檢查: X-rays may show an enlarged heart and reveal the presence of pleural effusion (fluid in the chest cavity) or ascites. This helps veterinarians determine the extent of heart damage or other complications.
- Electrocardiogram (ECG): Dogs with heart tumors often show reduced QRS wave amplitude and electrical alternans (alternating QRS complex heights), which are common indicators of pericardial effusion or heart failure.
- 流體分析: Analyzing the fluid around the heart can provide critical information, especially if the tumor has not been clearly identified. The analysis can help rule out infectious or inflammatory causes.
- Blood Tests: Although not always definitive, blood tests may reveal mild anemia or leukocytosis, indicating a possible underlying condition. In some cases, however, blood tests show no significant abnormalities.
- Abdominal Ultrasound: Since hemangiosarcomas can metastasize to the heart from other organs, an abdominal ultrasound can be used to determine if the tumor originated elsewhere, such as the spleen or liver.
Prognosis and Treatment
Unfortunately, the prognosis for dogs with hemangiosarcomas is typically poor, especially if the tumor is detected late. Surgical removal of the tumor is often not possible due to the tumor’s location and the associated risks. Chemotherapy may offer some extension of life but is not curative. In cases where treatment is not feasible, palliative care is often recommended to manage symptoms and provide the dog with comfort in its remaining time.
Owners should be aware that early detection and monitoring are key to extending the life of a dog with a heart tumor. Regular veterinary checkups, particularly for at-risk breeds, can help catch signs early, though the aggressive nature of these tumors makes prevention and treatment challenging.
Heart tumors in dogs, especially hemangiosarcomas, are a dangerous and rapidly progressing condition that often presents with acute and severe symptoms. Larger breeds like German Shepherds, Golden Retrievers, and Labrador Retrievers are at higher risk, and owners of these breeds should be vigilant in monitoring for signs of heart disease. Early diagnosis through a combination of clinical observation and diagnostic tools like echocardiography, ECG, and fluid analysis is essential for managing this life-threatening condition.
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