Intestinal Adenocarcinoma

Intestinal adenocarcinoma is a cancer arising from the glandular cells that line the small or large intestine. These cells normally produce mucus and help with absorption; when they become cancerous, they form tumours that can narrow the bowel, bleed, or interfere with normal digestion and movement of food through the gut. Owners often first notice weight loss, changes in appetite, vomiting, or diarrhoea that may be intermittent at first and then become more persistent. Some dogs or cats may pass dark or tarry stools if there is bleeding from the tumour. Because these signs can overlap with many other digestive conditions, the underlying cause may not be clear until investigations are carried out. This page explores the patterns that may prompt investigation, what happens at a tissue level when this cancer develops, how it is identified through imaging and biopsy, and the range of approaches that exist—including surgery, chemotherapy, and supportive care. The goal is to help you understand the condition and the framework within which decisions are made.